Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple located in Nuggehalli village, Channarayapatna Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka. Built in 1246 CE during the Hoysala Empire, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned as a fine example of Hoysala architecture. The trikuta (three-shrine) temple built in soapstone features intricate carvings, lathe-turned pillars and detailed sculptures depicting Vaishnava legends.

Visitors can expect a compact, well-preserved Hoysala trikuta temple complex set in a quiet village environment. The temple has three shrines dedicated to Keshava, Lakshmi Narasimha and Venugopala, with only the central shrine having a tower. Expect to see soapstone outer walls with detailed friezes, lathe-turned pillars in the navaranga hall, and intricate sculptures of Vishnu avatars and mythological scenes. The surroundings are open and rural with a small temple courtyard.

Constructed in 1246 CE by Bommanna Dandanayaka, a commander under Hoysala King Veera Someshwara. It represents the later period of Hoysala architecture and is built in the distinctive Hoysala style using soapstone, known for its detailed carvings and star-shaped vimana plan. The temple is protected as a monument of historical importance and illustrates the patronage of Hoysala subordinates.

A significant Vaishnavite temple dedicated to forms of Vishnu, particularly Lakshmi Narasimha. It reflects Hoysala religious art and Vaishnava tradition in Karnataka and remains an active place of worship. The temple is noted for its iconography depicting episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana.