Harihara

Geography:- Harihara is a town located in Davangere District in the Indian state of Karnataka. Holy River Tungabhadra flows along with Haridra (Tribunal River) behind the famous Sri Harihsreshwara temple.

According to Puranas:- According to Hindu Mythology, a demon named “Guha” or “Guhasura”. Who was living in the surrounding region of Harihara (Guharnya). He did Tapass, appeased Lord Brahma & obtained a boon, by virtue of which it would be impossible for either Hari or Hara to kill him alone. With this, he became powerful & started to harass the Rushi Munis while performing Yagna Yagas & also suffered common people as well. After hearing the appeal from the Rushi Munis, lord Vishnu (Hari) & lord Shiva (Hara) decided to kill him. Hence they combined with there amshaas & killed Guha. With the amshaas of Hari & Hara, they became Harihareshwara & settled in the form of Saaligraama stone. This is today worshipping by lots of devotees in the region & outside as well.

History:- Harihara has a history of 1500 years & the region had been under the control of the Hoysalas, Chaalukyas, Vijayanagra, Peshwes & the Wodeyars of Mysore. During first half of 11th century a temple was built by ‘Polalva Dandarasa who was an army general of Hoysala King ‘Narasimha II. The temple named as Shankara-Narayana (Presently know as Harihareshwara) & has a beautiful sculptures with extraordinary carvings. Holy River Tungabhadra flows along with Haridra (Tribunal River) behind the temple. The tribunal river Haridra joins river Tungabhadra & was called this place (Harihara) as Kudaluru.

Temple:- The Harihareshwara Temple at Harihara in Karnataka state, India, was built in c. 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister of theHoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. In 1268 CE, Soma, a commander of King Narasimha III of the same dynasty made some additions. The temple was consecrated for the deity Harihara, a fusion of the Hindu Gods Vishnu and Shiva. The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and left vertical half of Vishnu. The image holds in its right hand, the attributes of Shiva and in the left hand, those of Vishnu. The temple is constructed in a staggered square mantapa (hall) plan, typical of Hoysala constructions. Therefore, the outer wall of the mantapa shows many projections and recesses. The wall of the mantapa is a parapet wall resting on which are half pillars that support the outer ends of the roof (cornice). The ceiling of the open mantapa is adorned with artistic decoration such as lotuses. The ceiling is supported by lathe turned full pillars. The material used for the temple is soapstone (also called potstone). The original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced in modern times with one of brick and mortar. Every year in the month of February a car festival is celebrating with great enthusiasm & lots of people participating.

Inner View of Temple