Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Marehalli – The Temple Complex

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Marehalli – The Temple Complex

This temple complex is facing towards east with entrances from northern and eastern sides. The temple complex has an entrance mandapa on the northern side. The main shrine is facing towards east with a mahadwara. A 40 feet tall deepa sthamba,  Balipeedam and Tulsi Madam can be seen in front of the mahadwara. There is a Vijayanagara era sixteen pillared mandapa on the left side and a four pillared mandapa on the right side of the mahadwara. Shrine of Veera Anjaneya can be seen immediately after the mahadwara.

The main shrine consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. Garuda, Dwaja Sthamba and Balipeedam can be seen in the mukha mandapa. The vimana over the sanctum is of single tier. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Lakshmi Narasimha / Marehalli Mudukappa / Sowmya Narasimha Swamy with his consort Lakshmi on his lap in sitting posture. A pillared prakara runs around the main shrine. Shrines of Bhudevi, Neela Devi, Nammazhwar and Vedanta Desigar can be seen in the 108 pillared prakara.

There is a Shiva temple situated at the entrance of the temple complex on the right side. This Shiva temple is believed to be built by the Cholas and later had extensive patronage from the Hoysalas. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and navaranga. The vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Amruteshwara in the form of Shiva Linga. The temple pond has a Neerazhi mandapa at the centre and is situated to the north side of the temple across the road.