Lakshminarasimha Temple, Vighnasathe

We reached Vighnasathe easily through the road after a small journey from Nonavinakere. Among its picturesque settings is a 12th century Lakshminarasimha temple which is Trikutachala that stands as a masterpiece in Hoysala architecture. Originally known as Igganasanthe in inscriptions about 14 km south-east of Tiptur.

Inscriptions gave us an idea of the temples was constructed in 1286 A.D. This was built during the time of the Hoysala king Narasimha III by his generals. The main cell has a fine image of Chennakeshava but weren't able to sight the inner part of the temple.

The outer entrance door carved elegantly with scrollwork support porches at the entrance. The entrance has an imposing presence with two attractive elephants at the sides without the frontal Mandapa component. On the outer surfaces of temple several wall carvings are found but not much carving.

An exquisite Hoysala crest adorns the Vimana's facade. It consists of turrets in four tears with numerous sculptures. Each projection and recess has a complete decorative articulation that is rhythmic and repetitive and composed of blocks and moldings obscuring the tower profile.

Below the Kalasa is a large, highly- sculptured structure resembling a dome which is made from large stones and looks like a helmet. They are mixed with other small roofs of different shapes and are ornately decorated.

Despite all these facts of exquisite figures and features, the place has remained unknown to many lovers of sculptural art and still need of adequate improvement and conservation by responsible department.