Hosa Holalu Temple

Karnataka > Mandya > Hosa Holalu Temple

The Lakshminarayana temple is a magnificient example of Hoysala architecture of the thirteenth century. The intricate carvings in stone depict various images from the Mahabharata and other epics.

The temple is a trikutachala or three-celled temple. Only the main cell has a sukhanasi and a tower. Some of the images carved on the walls are about two and a half feet high. They are of fine proportions and well executed. The figures of Panduranga, Dakshinamurti and Mohini are particularly noteworthy. Groups of dancing ladies with accompaniments in impressive poses adorn the capitals of the pillars in the navaranga. There are also some interesting sculptures in the friezes, the scroll work and the railing panels. An annual jatra called Rangada-habba is held here in honour of Anjaneya about the month of April. It resembles the Holi festival in some respects. The villages put on various disguises, sing the praises of god and dance the whole night, squirting, at intervals, saffron water (vasanta) over one another.