Rameshvara Temple, Narasamangala – The Temple

Rameshvara Temple, Narasamangala – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapa. There might have been a mukha mandapa in front of the maha mandapa. The walls and the roof of the mukha mandapa was lost completely. Only the basement of the mukha mandapa remains. The steps on the sides of the mukha mandapa has reliefs of Sanga Nidhi and Padma Nidhi.

Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the entrance of the maha mandapa. The maha mandapa is supported by four lathe turned ganga period pillars. The ceiling of the maha mandapa has bas reliefs of Nataraja flanked by Ashta dikpalas. A huge idol of Chandikeswara is kept in the maha mandapa for safety reasons.

The sanctum is square in plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Rameshvara in the form of Shiva Linga. The niches around the sanctum are empty. The vimana over the sanctum is of three tiers and made of brick & mortar.  It is about eleven meters tall and stands on adhisthana of two meters high. Nandi with its ears broken can be found in the outer prakaram on a platform facing towards the sanctum.

An idol of Mahishasura Mardini can be seen on the north western platform in the temple premises. A Shiva Linga housed in an avudaiyar can be seen on the south eastern platform in the temple premises. There is a shrine on the south western corner of the temple premises. It houses images of Saptamatrikas, Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha and Vinayaga.

An image of Ganga king seated with his queen by his side is one of the remarkable image found in this temple. An inscription engraved on two slabs to the south of the temple refers to Hoysala Viraballala III and certain grants made by him to the god Ramanatha Deva of Narasamangala. Hero Stones, pillars and architectural fragments can be found in the temple premises.