The ''Amrutesvara Temple, " is a notable example of Hoysala architecture situated in the village of Amruthapura, located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, India. The temple is approximately 110 km from Hassan and 67 km from Chikmagalur town, positioned along NH 206. It was commissioned in 1196 CE by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka, a commander under the reign of the Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. This historical site is well-known for its intricately detailed architecture, which reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Hoysala period.
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| Amruteshwara Temple with single shrine Amruthapura,,KA en.wikipedia.org |
Architectural Features
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| Amruteshwara Temple Amruteshwara Temple |
_facing_the_sanctum_in_the_Amrutesvara_temple_at_Amruthapura.jpeg) |
| Amruteshwara Temple with lathe-turned pillars Amruthapura,,KA en.wikipedia.or |
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| Amruteshwara Temple with kirthi muga Amruthapura,,KA wall relief image - en.wikipedia.org |
_of_Amrutesvara_temple_at_Amruthapura.jpg) |
| Amruteshwara Temple with kirthi muga Amruthapura,,KA en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Vmruteshvara Temple (1195 CE) , KA single shine with a small tower-gopura. Note the different sizes of demons like Kirtimukha on the gopursaand the stone caeved details and image Dineshkannambadi ...............
The Amruteshvara Temple ian ekakuta design temple, featuring a single shrine with a sanctum, a closed mantapa (hall), and an expansive open mantapa. Its architecture shows similarities to other medium-sized Hoysala temples, such as the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi, particularly in the structure and layout of the mantapas.
- Closed Mantapa: It consists of nine bays and connects to the sanctum, or garbhagriha.
- Open Mantapa: It has twenty-nine bays supported by rows of shiny, lathe-turned pillars, a signature feature in Hoysala-Chalukya decorative styles. This hall also includes intricately adorned inner ceilings with floral motifs.
The vimana (tower over the sanctum) retains its original superstructure (shikhara) adorned with Kirtimukhas (demon faces) and decorative miniature towers (aedicules). The tower on the vestibule, known as the sukanasi, has the Hoysala emblem depicting Sala—the mythical founder of the Hoysala dynasty—fighting a lion. The outer wall of the temple showcases an older Hoysala style, featuring five horizontal moldings at its base.
Sculptural Panels and Inscriptions
One of the unique aspects of the temple is its 140-panel sculptural series, which narrates episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Krishna:
- The Ramayana panels on the south wall unfold in an unusual anti-clockwise manner, whereas on the north wall, the panels conform to the conventional clockwise narrative style.
- The north wall includes twenty-five panels illustrating key events from Krishna's life.
- The remaining panels depict scenes from the Mahabharata.
The temple is known for its relatively large sculptural panels compared to other Hoysala temples, where miniature carvings are the norm.
Contribution of Sculptor Ruvari Mallitamma
The famous sculptor and architect Ruvari Mallitamma began his career at this temple, contributing to the design and execution of the highly detailed domed ceilings in the mantapa. His work at Amruteshvara set the stage for his future achievements and influence in Hoysala temple architecture.
Inscriptions by Poet Janna
A prominent Kannada inscription near the porch area is attributed to Janna, a celebrated medieval Kannada poet with the honorific Kavichakravarti ("emperor among poets"). The stone inscription comprises poems that capture the cultural and literary grandeur of the time.
Preservation and Heritage
The temple is currently a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is recognized for its historical and architectural significance. This structure not only reflects the unique features of Hoysala architecture but also serves as an essential record of the artistic, religious, and cultural history of Karnataka.
Architectural marvel by P.B.Premkumar, Spectrum, Tuesday, 20 January 2004
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrutesvara_Temple,_Amruthapura
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