Temple

Panchalingeshwara Temple (also spelt Panchalingeshvara) in Govindanahalli, Mandya district, Karnataka state, India, was constructed around 1238 A.D. during the reign of the Hoysala empire King Vira Someshwara. The name "Panchalingeshwara" literally means "five linga". The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. The famous sculptor of Hoysala times, Ruvari Mallitamma, is known to have made contributions to the temple.

Legend

Vira Someshwara (1234-1263) was a king of the Hoysala Empire the Hoysalas consolidated their domination over the South Deccan by asserting complete influence on the Cholas and the Pandyas. Someshwara was actually given the honorific Mamadi ("uncle") by the kings of Tamil country. He constructed certain temples with hosalaya style of architecure.

Architecture

Panchalingeshwara Temple (also spelt Panchalingeshvara) in Govindanahalli is a rare example of a panchakuta (five shrines with five towers) construction in Hoysala architecture. The five shrines are built on a north-south axial plan with the sanctums face east. In each shrine, the sanctum is connected to a hall (mantapa or navaranga) by a vestibule (sukanasi). A long pillared hall on the east connects the individual mantapa together. The entrance to the temple complex is via two porched entrances.

Picture courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred (avoid shorts).

Famous Festival

Sivarathri

Culture

The Temple is situated amidst the fields and is visible from far. The Temple has a neatly managed lawns surrounding it.

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and harathi at 9:00 A.M

Additional Info