Shree Ramagiri Kshetra, Ramadevara Betta, Ramanagara

Having visited here a few years back, we wished to re-visit this time around with our two young travel partners Adhi and Diya, hoping it would not be too crowded owing to the current COVID situation. But surprisingly, this place was crowded as usual portraying one of the normal days. We were now in two minds whether to continue as per our plan or change the location since the parking itself seemed over crowded. As the kids were all excited to explore this place after seeing the pictures of vulture on the sign boards along the way,  they wished to spot one and hence we moved ahead as per plan! They were all the more excited thinking they would get to spot  'Jatayu and Sampati', the vulture siblings born to Lord Garuda (King of Birds) and his consort Unnati.

Egyptian Vulture Couple

'Ramanagara' is one of the few vulture sanctuaries across India and Asia. We are fortunate enough to have visited the other two vulture sanctuaries across India - Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) and Anjaneri (Maharashtra). Out of the 9 species of vultures found in India, Ramanagara district is home to 3 of them, namely the Long billed vulture, the Egyptian vulture and the White backed Vulture. Although we have spotted Egyptian vultures during our journeys across Ramanagara district over the last few years,  we always wished we could spot one on the Ramadevara Betta. This time, we were in for a surprise! We spotted a  Long billed Vulture and this made our kids very happy. 

Egyptian Vulture Parched on a Hill, Ramanagar

Long Billed Vulture

Ramadevara Betta with its  many neighboring hills is closely  related to Lord Rama. There are many stories of Lord Rama associated with Ramadevara Betta, as the name itself suggests. Lord Rama during his 14 years of exile is believed to have stayed and spent some time here. In all likelihood, Lord Rama would have stayed here while proceeding to Lanka to kill Asuraraja Ravana and free Sita Matha. Although most of the stories narrated by the priests here suggest otherwise, that Lord Rama stayed here accompanied by Sita Matha and Lord Lakshmana. This is debatable since the widely accepted place of Sita-haran (kidnapping) is Panchavati which is located in Nashik on the banks of  the river Godavari and Hanuman-milan (Rama meeting Hanuman) is Kishkinda, the environs of Hampi and the capital of Vanara Raja Sugriva, both of them situated towards the north of Ramanagara. Lord Rama's journey during his exile was mostly southward and having spent most of the time during exile in "Dandakaranya", which is believed to be somewhere around Chitrakoot in Chhattisgarh (Central India), it is unlikely that Lord Rama visited this place along with Sita Matha. 

Lord Rama's Journey During Exile

Undoubtedly, there is enough proof to believe that Lord Rama stayed in Ramadevara Betta. However, the time of his stay could be post Hanuman-milan, during the Lord's journey towards Lanka with Vanara Sainya (army of vanaras). One of the most interesting stories associated with this place is Lord Rama's killing of Kakasura (the crow demon, who is also the son of Lord Indra) with an arrow made of a blade of grass (dharbhe hullu), when it was troubling Sita Matha. Finally, Kakasura seeked refuge and pleaded for forgiveness from Lord Rama when the other gods declined any help. As Lord Rama relieved him from being a crow which was the demon's cursed form, it is said that no crows have ever been sighted in and around this place. This story finds its mention in the Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman meets Sita Matha for the first time in Ashoka Vatika of Lanka. It is when Lord Hanuman requests Sita Matha for giving a proof of meeting her so he can show the same to Lord Rama, that Sita Matha narrates this story to him which only Lord Rama was aware of. Along with the narration of this story, she also handed him her bridal jewellery Chudamani as proof. The episode of Kakasura is believed to have taken place somewhere around Dandakaranya (near Chitrakoot ) on a river bank. Therefore, the occurrence of this incident  in Ramadevara Betta is clearly debatable. 

Bird's Eye View of Dhanushkodi and Sri Rameshwara Temple

Vanara Raja Sugriva's Carving on one of Rock

The other story linked with this place is about the Vanara Raja Sugriva after the coronation of Lord Rama. King Sugriva wished to possess a murti of Lord Rama in the form of a king so he could worship the Lord back home at Kishkinda. He therefore got a murti of Lord Pattabhirama carved and got it blessed by the Lord himself. While returning on his way back to Kishkinda, he heard an 'Akashavani' (a voice from the sky), asking him to stop there and kill the demon Handigundi or Sukhasura, who was troubling the maharishis in meditation (tapas) at Ramadevarabetta. Therefore, King Sugriva placed the murti there, fought the demon Sukhasura fiercely and killed him. The demon after his death is believed to have turned into a hill, which is locally known as Handigundi. Handigundi is located about 4 km from the Ramadevara Betta. A few years back we had the opportunity of trekking this hill too. Post the killing of Sukhasura, Sugriva came back to the place where he had kept the murti of Lord Rama but was unable to move it. While doing so, he heard another Akashavani which ordered him to leave the murti there since the Lord wished to remain there only. Thus Sugriva installed the murti and returned to Kishkinda. An interesting fact related to this story is the rare finding of the carving of Lord Sugriva on this hill. Later, Sri Kempegowda renovated this temple sometime during the 16th century and much of the current structure of the temple is attributed to him. In the 1990's, the temple underwent another renovation. The murti of Lord Pattabhirama here is very divine, where the Lord is seen seated on his throne with Sita Matha on his lap accompanied by his brother Lord Lakshmana and his ardent devotee Lord Anjaneya.

Sri Pattabhirama Swamy Temple

Lord Pattabhirama Murti

Lord Rama during his visit to this place installed a Linga known as Sri Rameshwara to offer daily worship to Lord Shiva. This temple too was renovated during Sri Kempegowda's rule in the sixteen century. The Rama tirtha/ Dhanushkodi / Nydile tirtha is a beautiful ದೊಣೆ (spring water pond) between the two temples. This tirtha/ doNe/ honda is believed to be the creation of Lord Rama when he shot an arrow there in order to get drinking water. The depth of this tirtha however is not known. An elderly person we met here shared many interesting stories about this tirtha (will be shared in a separate post). In 2014, when we visited here in April, this tirtha was full with clear water. The water from this tirtha is used for the Lord's abhishekam (bathing of the deity) and in the preparation of Naivaidya (offering of food to god). The water is also believed to have many medicinal properties having the powers to heal many incurable diseases. 

Sri Rameshwara Temple

Nydile Tirtha

Wherever there is a kote/fort, there is our Lord Anjaneya! There are 5 murtis of Lord Anjaneya in total on the Ramadevara Betta. However, none of them here is seen carved with either his 'gada' (mace) or him carrying  'Dronagiri' parvatha (hill). All the carvings depict the Lord in 'Abhaya Hastha' (blessing hand) posture. As per the archakaru, this posture also means the Lord declaring that he is here to protect his devotees. The carvings are believed to be a swayambhu or self manifested. Except for the one at the entrance of the Ramadevara hill, the rest of the murtis are depicted with sowgandhika puspha (flower) in one hand, similar to the ones across this region especially in places associated with the Kempegowda and family. We happened to visit 4 of the 5 murtis here during our visit. 

Kote Anjaneya Swamy

To be continued....

Sri Panchalingeshwara Swamy Temple, Bettahalli, Magadi

"Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations", so do the wrong ones too! Many a time leading to unknown beautiful destinations!

Information Board 

We were headed for a trek towards Hulikal near Kuduru in Magadi taluk of Ramanagar district. Little did we know that missing the turn that would take a deviation from Kuduru towards Hulikal would lead us to such a beautiful lesser known temple. Still unaware about the turn missed, we drove about 5 km ahead and reached a village named Bettahalli. Only then did we realize we were heading in the wrong direction and decided to make a U-turn. While driving back, a sign board directing towards Sri Panchalingeshwara temple caught our attention and as usual, we were curious to go ahead and explore! And so we did. At the outset, the temple looked new, but we ensured that we explore its interiors. Words are not enough to describe the great work being carried out by Shri Dhramasthala Manjunatha Trust in renovating/restoring beautiful but forgotten historical temples. Kudos to the team for their continuous and self-less support in preserving our rich heritage and history.

Temple Inauguration Details

Never judge a book by its cover. True to this, as we stepped in we found this temple that seemed new from its outlook to be an ancient historical temple indeed! It underwent restoration only to preserve most of its originality. The temple is believed to have been built in 7th Century  by the Cholas, although there are no evidences pointing towards the same. No inscriptions of any kind have been found here. The temple architecture and murtis inside resemble the Chola style of architecture though this place was under the rule of Gangas during the 7th Century. This makes it difficult to assign the period of its construction. However, it can be safely confirmed that the temple was built/renovated by the Cholas sometime during the 11th Century, owing to its stye of architecture.

The Navaranga

Sri Panchalingeshwara temple at Bettahalli is a Panchakuta temple  dedicated to Pancha (5) Shiva Lingas namely - Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, Sri Pathaleshwara Swamy, Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Swamy and Sri  Arkeshwara Swamy. There are 4 devakosthas in the Navaranga of the temple housing Sri Umamaheshwara Swamy, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, Sri Durga Parameshwari, Sri Ganapathi and Sri Shanumuga.

Lord Arkeshwara

Lord Mahabaleshwara

Lord Mallikarjuna

Lord Pathaleshwara

Lord Vaidyanatheshwara

The murti of Sri Umamaheshwara looks very beautiful and the divine couple are depicted to be seated on their Vrishabha vahana. The lady caretaker was more than happy to give us details about the renovation of this temple and the annual jatre/fair held here. It was quite interesting when she also informed us that during restoration, the entire temple was dismantled but somehow they were unable to dismantle the Nandi murti placed in the Navaranga. Therefore they had to cover the murti and proceed with the restoration work. We spent  sometime going around the temple and later we moved towards Hulikal as per our original plan.

Lord Nandi

Sri Umamaheshwara seated atop Vrishaba

Dwarapalakas at the Entrance

Temples of Karnataka - Part IV

Continued from our previous post, where we have already documented 150 of Must Visit Lesser Known Temples of Karnataka.

151.Sri Siddeshwara temple, Siddanakolla

Taluk : Hungund, Bagalkot

Dynasty : Badami Chalukyas in the 7th Century, Kalyani Chalukyas in 11th Century

About : This temple complex has many ancient temples built around the valley, with a few cave temples around.

Sri Siddeshwara temple complex , Siddanakolla

152.The Jaina Basadi, Pattadakal

Taluk : Badami, Bagalkot

Dynasty : Rashtrakutas in 9th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha with pradakshinapatha, an antarala, a sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa, with a Dravidian shikara. There is a beautifully carved stone ladder in this temple.

Jaina Basadi, Pattadakal

153. Sri Kalleshwara temple, Degulahalli

Taluk : Sampgaon, Belagavi

Dynasty : Kalyani Chalukyas in 12th Century

About :This temple has a garbhagriha, antarala, an open navaranga with 3 mukhamandapas. Although the Kadamba Nagara shikara remains damaged, the Shukanasi carries a beautiful carving of Lord Nataraja.

Sri Kalleshwara temple, Degulahalli

154. Sri Kumaraswamy temple, Kudathini

Taluk : Ballari

Dynasty : Rashtrakutas in 10th Century

About : This temple has 3 garbhagrihas, a common antarala, and open sabhamandapa with a mukhamandapa. The shikara of this temple is missing. This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya or Kumaraswamy along with Lord Shiva. The main murti of Kumaraswamy is missing and has been replaced with a murti of Lord Ganesha.

Sri Kumaraswamy temple, Kudathini

155. Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy temple, Shivagange

Taluk : Nelamangala, Bengaluru Rural

Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th century, Nada-Prabhus in 16th Century

About : This beautiful cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has been developed into a large temple with mantapas and prakara. There are 3 bronze images of Kempasomanna, Kempegowda and Ulli Chikanna right opposite to the main deity. 

Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy Temple, Shivagange

156. Sri Channaraya Swamy temple, Nalluru

Taluk : Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural

Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century, Vijayanagara in 14th Century

About : This ruined temple still has much of it outer walls intact, with niches having beautiful sculptures depicting Krishna Leele. The ceiling of the temple is completely damaged and there is no murti in the Garbhagriha. 

Sri Channarayaswamy temple, Nalluru

157. Sri Chokkanathaswamy temple, Domlur

Taluk : Bengaluru Urban

Dynasty :  Hoysalas in 13th Century, Vijayanagara in 15th Century

About :This temple has a garbhagriha, antarala, navaranga and mukhamantapa and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Sri Chokkanathaswamy temple, Domlur

158. Sri Vasanthavallabha Swamy temple, Vasanthapura

Taluk : Bengaluru South, Bengaluru Urban

Dynasty :  Cholas in 10th Century, Vijayanagara in 15th Century, Wodeyars in 17th Century

About : This temple is dedicated to Lord Srinivasa or Vallabha Swamy along with his consorts - Sridevi and Bhudevi. This temple has a garbhagriha, antarala, navaranga, sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa with a Dravidian shikara. 

Sri Vasanthavallabha swamy temple, Vasanthapura

159. Sri Bhalkeshwara Swamy temple, Bhalki

Taluk : Bhalki, Bidar

Dynasty :  Rashtrakutas in 9th Century, Kalyani Chalukyas in 11th Century 

About : This temple has undergone various modifications, hardly  retaining its original form. The original portions of the temple lie scattered across the temple and its surroundings. 

Sri Bhalkeshwara swamy, Bhalki

160. Sri Eshwara Swamy temple, Morkhandi

Taluk :  Basavakalyan, Bidar

Dynasty : Kalyani Chalukyas in 11th  Century

About : This temple has a garbhagriha, antarala and sabhamandapa with a modern shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Eshwara Temple, Morkhandi

161. Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, Yelandur

Taluk : Yelandur, Chamarajanagar

Dynasty :Vijayanagar in 16th Century

About : This temple has a garbhagriha, an antarala with pradakshinapatha, and a navaranga with mukhamandapa. This temple is dedicated to Bhu Varaha Swamy with Goddess Lakshmi. 

Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Yelandur

162. Sri Eshwara Swamy temple, Ambale

Taluk :  Yelandur, Chamarajanagar

Dynasty : Gangas in 8th Century ,Cholas in 10th Century

About : This temple consists of a square garbhagriha with an antarala, mahamandapa with a mukhamandapa with a beautiful brick and mortar Dravidian shikara. 

Sri Eshwara Temple, Ambale

163. Sri Bhoganandishwara Swamy temple, Nandi

Taluk :  Chikkaballapura

Dynasty : Banas in 8th Century, Nolambas in 9th Century, Cholas in 10th Century and Various

About :  This huge temple complex consists of many subsidiary shrines apart from the two main temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Bhoganandishwara and Arunchaleshwara. 

Sri Bhoganandishwara swamy Temple, Nandi

164. Twin Basadi, Angadi

Taluk : Mudigere, Chikmagalur

Dynasty : Hoysalas in 11th Century

About :  The twin Basadi here is dedicated to the Jaina Tirthankaras Shantinatha and  Neminatha. These temples follow similar pattern and have a garbhagriha, antarala and a navaranga with mukhamandapa.

Neminatha Basadi, Angadi

165. Sri Rameshwara Swamy temple, Devarunda

Taluk : Mudigere, Chikmagalur

Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, navaranga and a mukhamandapa with a Kadamba Nagara shikara enclosed in a prakara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Rameshwara Swamy Temple, Devarunda

166. Sri Siddeshwara Swamy temple, Brahmagiri

Taluk : Molakalmuru, Chitradurga

Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, sabhamandapa and a mukhamandapa with a Kadamba Nagara shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Siddeshwara Swamy Temple, Brahmagiri

167. Sri Kalleshwara Swamy temple, Bethuru

Taluk : Davanagere
Dynasty :Rashtrakutas in 8th Century, Chalukyas in 11th Century, Uchangi Pandyas in 12th Century

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, navaranga and an open sabhamandapa with a unique Dravidian shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Kalleshwara Swamy Temple, Bethuru

168. Sri Kalleshwara Swamy temple, Kamadhenu

Taluk : Kalghatgi, Dharwad
Dynasty : Chalukyas in 11th Century, Hoysala in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, sukhanasi, navaranga and 3 mukhamandapas with a renovated shikara in Kadamaba Nagara style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Kalleshwara Swamy Temple,Kamadhenu

 169. Sri Brahma Jinalaya, Lakkundi

Taluk : Gadag
Dynasty : Chalukyas in 11th Century, Hoysala in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, sukhanasi, navaranga and an open sabhamandapa with mukhamandapa. The shikara is of Vesara style and houses a beautiful murti of Neminatha. The Brahma murti installed in a much later period gives this temple the name of Sri Brahma Jinalaya.  

Sri Brahma Jinalaya, Lakkundi

170. Sri Trikuteshwara Swamy Temple, Gadag

Taluk : Gadag
Dynasty : Rashtrakutas in 10th Century, Chalukyas in 11th Century, Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of 3 main garbhagrihas, antarala, along with pradakshinapatha, navaranga a mukhamandapa, attached to Navaranga is an other garbhagriha dedicated to lord Surya Naryana with a mukhamandapa. In the same temple complex is another  temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi.

Sri Trikuteshwara Swamy Temple, Gadag

171. Sri Sharana Basaveshwara Swamy Temple, Kalburgi

Taluk : Kalburgi
Dynasty : Locals in 18th Century 

About :  This temple is dedicated to the very popular 18th century saint Sri Sharana Basaveshwara swamy who was renowned for his kayaka and dasoha. The temple consists of a garbhagriha which houses the samadhi of the swamy along with a sabhamandapa and pradakshinapatha. 

Sri Sharana Basaveshwara swamy temple, Kalburgi

172. Sri Chamundaraya Basadi, Shravana Belagola

Taluk : Channarayapatna, Hassan
Dynasty : Gangas in 10th Century, Hoysalas in 12th Century 

About : This Basadi consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, a sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa with Dravidian shikara. 

Sri Chamundaraya Basadi, Shravana Belagola

173. Sri  Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, Javagallu

Taluk : Arsikere, Hassan
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century 

About :  This temple consists of 3 garbhagrihas, an antarala (to the main garbhagriha), a common navaranga and a mukhamandapa with 2 ankanas with Dravidian shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Shridhara along with Lords Venugopala and Lakshmi Narasimha. 

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Javagallu

174. Sri  Kamala Narayanaswamy temple, Heragu

Taluk : Hassan
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century 

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, navaranga and a mukhamandapa with Kadamba Nagara shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in from of Kamala Narayana. 

Sri Kamala Narayanaswamy temple, Heragu

175. Sri  Harihareshwara Swamy temple, Hariharapura

Taluk : Arsikere, Hassan
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century 

About : This temple consists of 3 garbhagrihas with an antarala, sabhamandapa and a mukhamandapa. All three garbhagrihas are empty which once housed murtis of Lords Harihara, Ananthapadmanabha and Goddess Saraswathi. Currently these murtis are in Denmark. 

Sri Harihareshwara Swamy Temple, Hariharapura

176. Sri  Basaveshwara temple, Devagiri

Taluk : Haveri
Dynasty : Kalyani Chalukyas in 11th Century, Hoysalas in 13th Century 

About : This temple consists of a Garbhagriha, an antarala and a navaranga with mukhamandapa. This temple has been renovated with remnants of the old structure and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Basaveshwara Temple, Devagiri

177. Sri  Veerabhadreshwara Swamy temple, Hangal

Taluk : Hangal, Haveri
Dynasty : Hangal Kadambas in 12th Century 

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala and a navaranga with 3 mukhamandapas. This temple has been renovated and is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy.

Sri Veerabhadreshwara Swamy Temple, Hangal

178. Sri  Omkareshwara Swamy temple, Kodagu

Taluk : Madkeri, Kodagu
Dynasty : Rajas of Kodagu in 18th Century 

About : A large temple built in Kodagu Raja architectural style and is a very unique temple. The temple has a big dome with four minarets. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a big Kalyani in the front.

Sri Omkareshwara Swamy Temple, Kodagu

179. Sri  Kolaramma temple, Kolar

Taluk : Kolar
Dynasty : Gangas in 8th Century

About :  This temple has a garbhagriha, antarala and sabhamandapa enclosed in a prakara with a Dravidian shikara. This temple is dedicated to Devi Mahishasuramardhini or Kolaramma, along with the Saptamatrikas. 

Sri Kolaramma Temple, Kolar

180. Sri  Someshwara Swamy temple, Arabi Kothanur

Taluk : Kolar
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, sukhanasi, navaranga with mukhamandapa and a renovated shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, Arabi Kothanur

 181. Sri  Markandeshwara Swamy temple, Vokkaleri

Taluk : Kolar
Dynasty : Vijayanagara in 16th Century

About :   This temple complex consists of many small temples, the main temple is dedicated to Lprd Shiva in the form Markandeshwara. This temple is atop a small hill. 

Sri Markandeshwara Swamy Temple, Vokkaleri

182. Sri  Brahmeshwara Swamy temple, Kikkeri

Taluk : K R Pete, Mandya
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, a navaranga and a Nandi mandapa with a Dravidian styled shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The pillars of the navaranga are surmounted by beautiful Madanika  sculptures.

Sri Brahmeshwara Swamy Temple, Kikkeri

183. Sri  Hoysaleshwara Swamy temple, Tenginghatta

Taluk : K R Pete, Mandya
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, navaranga and mukhamandapa with a Dravidian shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although the temple lies in a ruined state,  it is a live temple.

Sri Hoysaleshwara Swamy temple, Tenginghatta

184. Sri  Huniseshwara Swamy temple, Agrahara Bachahalli

Taluk : K R Pete, Mandya
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, navaranga and mukhamandapa with a Dravidian shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple compound has been converted in to a museum.

Sri Huneshwara Swamy Temple, Agrahara Bachahalli

 185. Sri  Kashi Visveshwara Swamy temple, Hosabudanur

Taluk : Mandya
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, navaranga and mukhamandapa with a Vesara shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Kashi Visveshwara Swamy Temple, Hosabudanur

186. Sri  Bhaktavatsala Swamy temple, Belagola

Taluk : Srirangapatna, Mandya
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This is a unique temple having a circular garbhagriha with the rest of the temple missing. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, but murti is missing and has undergone renovation  recently. Nearby is another temple dedicated to Lord Janaradhana. 

Sri Bhaktavatsala Swamy temple, Belagola

187. Sri  Arkeshwara Swamy temple, Hale Yedathore

Taluk : K R Nagar, Maisooru
Dynasty : Gangas in 9th Century, Wodeyars in 17th Century

About : This temple complex is enclosed in a prakara and has many small temples. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Arkeshwara and consists of garbhagriha, antarala, sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa with a Dravidian shikara.

Sri Arkeshwara Swamy Temple, Hale Yedathore

188.Sri Kodanda Ramadevara Swamy temple, Chunchanakatte

Taluk : K R Nagar, Maisooru
Dynasty : Wodeyars in 17th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama.

Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Chunchanakatte

189. Sri Arunchaleshwara Swamy temple, Harohalli

Taluk : Kanakapura, Ramanagara

Dynasty : Gangas in 8th Century, Cholas in 10th Century

About : This temple complex is enclosed in a prakara and has many small temples. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Arunchaleshwara and consists of garbhagriha, antarala, sabhamandapa and 2 mukhamandapas with a renovated shikara.

Sri Arunchaleshwara Swamy Temple, Harohalli

 190. Sri Rameshwara swamy temple, Kuppagadde

Taluk : Soraba, Shivamogga
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, ardhamandapa, open sabhamandapa with Kadamba Nagari shikara.  This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Rameshwara Swamy Temple, Kuppagade

191. Sri Pranaveshwara Swamy temple, Talagunda

Taluk : Shikaripura,Shivamogga
Dynasty : Kadambas in 4th Century 

About : This is one of the earliest surviving temples built in the region of Karnataka. It is a simple structured temple housing a huge Shiva linga.

Sri Pranaveshwara temple, Talagunda

192. Sri Aghoreshwara Swamy temple, Ikkeri

Taluk : Sagara, Shivamogga
Dynasty : Keladi Nayakas in 15th Century

About :  This temple complex consists of two temples, with the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Aghoreshwara. The main temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala and navaranga with a Dravidian shikara enclosed in a prakara. 

Sri Aghoreshwara Swamy temple, Ikkeri

193. Sri Venugopala Swamy temple, Nonavinakere

Taluk : Tiptur, Tumkooru
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of 3 garbhagrihas, antarala, navaranga and mukhamandapa with a Dravidian Shikara. This temple houses beautiful murtis of Lords Venugopala, Keshava and Yoga Narasimha.

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Nonavinakere

194. Sri Vidyashankara Swamy temple, Durgadahalli

Taluk : Tumkooru
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 12th Century

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala, sabhamandapa and a mukhamandapa with a Kadamba Nagara shikara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Sri Vidyashankara Swamy Temple, Durgadahalli

195. Sri Ramadevara Swamy temple, Nidugal

Taluk : Pavagada,Tumkooru
Dynasty : Vijayanagara in 15th Century

About :  This beautiful cave temple is situated at the base of the Nidugal hill. There is a unique carving of Lord Rama along with Sita Devi and his 3 brothers. There are carvings of Lord Anjaneya and Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini. 

Sri Ramadevara Swamy Temple, Nidugal

196. Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy temple, Turuvekere

Taluk : Turuvekere,Tumkooru
Dynasty : Hoysalas in 13th Century, Vijayanagara in 16th Century

About :This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, sabhamandapa and mukhamandapa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a unique feature of the Shiva Linga here is the presence of Jata (hair) on the Linga depicting Lord Gangadhareshwara. There is a beautiful stone bell belonging to the Vijayanagara period. 

Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy Temple, Turuvekere

197. Sri Kattale Basadi, Barkur

Taluk : Brahmavara, Udupi
Dynasty : Alupas in 11th Century

About :This temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala and mukhamandapa enclosed in a prakara with an adjoining Lord Shiva temple in the complex. 

Kattale Basadi, Barkur

198. Sri Khetappayya Narayana Swamy temple, Mudbhatkal

Taluk : Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada
Dynasty : Keladi Nayakas in 16th Century 

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha with pradakshinapatha and navaranga with gabled roof and lattice stone windows enclosed in a prakara. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana. 

Sri Khetappayya Narayana Swamy Temple, Mudbhatkal

199. Sri Hanumantha Swamy temple, Yadgir

Taluk : Yadgir
Dynasty : Kalyani Chalukyas in 12th Century 

About :  This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala and navaranga. This temple has been converted into Hanumantha Swamy temple and has undergone various modifications.  

Sri Hanumantha Swamy temple, Yadgir

 200. Sri Venugopalaswamy temple, Shorapur

Taluk : Shorapur, Yadgir
Dynasty : Surpur Nayakas in 17th Century 

About : This temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala and an open sabhamandapa. This temple is dedicated to Sri Venugopalaswamy.

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Shorapur

This is the 4th part of Temples of Karnataka and in total covers all the districts of Karnataka except Raichur. We will continue to update this list as and when possible. This list is just a representation of the great work done by various dynasties that ruled Karnataka. Also with this, we have completed 10 years of blogging and would like to express our heart felt thank you to each one of you who have helped, supported and encouraged us in our journey. Hope this journey continues and we do justice to our blog and travel!

Kind Note: Please avoid traveling now and take all the necessary precautionary measures for safety and hygiene. It is a temporary phase and we all, together, will overcome this phase of pandemic outbreak. Take care and stay safe.

References:
1. Temples of Karnataka-Book edited by Dr. KM Suresh 
2. Various District Gazetteers 

Related Posts:
1. Top 100 lesser known temples of Karnataka
2. Top 50 must visit lesser known temples of Karnataka 
3. Forts of Karnataka