Harihareshwara Temple

Introduction to the Harihareshwara Temple

The combined form of Vishnu and Shiva graces their devotees in the Harihareshwara Temple. It is on the banks of the River Tungabhadra, Harihar town, Davanagere district, Karnataka. The Archeological Survey of India protects the Harihareshwara Temple as a monument of national importance. Harihar is a famous industrial hub of Central Karnataka and is also called Dakshina Kasi. Harihareshwar, Pushpadri, Harishinachal, and Bramhadri hills surround this Temple. The Harihareshwara Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

Legend of the Harihareshwara Temple

As per the Harihareshwara Temple's legend, the demon named Guha pleased Brahma with his severe penance and received a boon. According to the boon, Shiva (Hara) or Vishnu (Hari) could not destroy him alone. The demon started tormenting Devas and innocent people. The entire universe was unable to withstand his torture. All of them, including Brahma, pleaded to Shiva and Vishnu for his destruction. Since Shiva and Vishnu could not destroy him individually, they unified as Harihara to destroy the demon Guha. This incarnation is said to have happened near Kudalur, at the convergence of the Rivers Tungabhadra and Haridra. Hence, the place is called Guharanya Kshetra.

History of the Harihareshwara Temple

Polava Deva, a Commander and Minister of King Vira Narasimha II, Hoysala Dynasty, built the Harihareshwara Temple in 1224 CE. A Commander of King Narasimha III, the Hoysala Dynasty renovated and added some structures in 1268 CE. The temple had renovations during the Vijayanagara period.

During the Mughal rule, the temple was severely damaged. The temple’s roof was used to construct a mosque. Tipu Sultan plundered and damaged most of the sculptures of the Harihareshwara Temple. He also converted a portion of the temple into a mosque.

The Architecture of the Harihareshwara Temple

The temple features the Hoysala style of architecture. It was built using soapstone. The Harihareshwara Temple faces east, with a Mahadvara (entrance gateway) on the east. There are also entrance gateways on the north and south sides of the temple complex. Two Deepa Sthambas (lamp posts) are inside the temple. Each one has Garuda and Nandi in a sitting posture facing towards the sanctum. The Harihareshwara Temple has a Sanctum, Antarala, and Navaranga with three entrances and a Mukha Mandap. The original Vimana (tower) is said to have been replaced in modern times.

The Navaranga has entrance porches on the northern and southern sides. Its door jambs are luxuriously decorated. Visitors can see Gajalakshmi on the lintel of the doorway. Five turrets adorn the carving of Gajalakshmi. Four heavy pillars support the roof of the Navaranga.

A beautiful Shikara is above the sanctum. The doorway of the sanctum is simple, without any decoration. The sanctum enshrines a 6-foot idol of Harihara, a fusion of Vishnu and Shiva. It is a Swayambhu Moorthy. The attributes of Shiva are visible on the right, with Trishul and Vishnu on the left with Shanku (conch) and Chakra (wheel). The deity wears a combined Jata and Krita Makuta. A small shrine of Kalabhairava is on the north of the northern porch. Lakshmi Devi has a separate shrine in the north, with a sanctum and Mukha Mandap. The Mandap is square. But, the sanctum enshrines an idol of Mahishasura Mardini presently as the original Lakshmi Devi idol was lost. Parvati Devi also has a separate shrine in the Harihareshwara Temple complex. Visitors can see a massive stone with Kannada inscriptions around the temple.

The temple's exterior walls have intricate carvings of deities, animals, and mythological creatures. Some of the carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are a testament to the artistry of the Hoysala artisans.

Festivals in the Harihareshwara Temple

Karnika (Words of God), the ritual of getting impressions of the deity and chanting the Karnika, has been performed for over 200 years at the Harihareshwara Temple. Karnika is chanted during the Naga Panchami festival.

The temple grandly celebrates Rathothsavam (Car festival) annually. People across the state visit the Harihareshwara Temple to worship the deity and enjoy the occasion.