The Yoga Narasimha Temple at Baggavalli, a village in Tarikere
Taluq in the Chikkamagaluru district, was built during late 12th century during
the reign of Hoysala King Ballala-III. It is said that Baggavalli village was
an Agrahara in its past, originally known as Bhargavapura in inscriptions.
The temple structure built on a star shaped plan in Hoysala
architectural style isn’t big but the complex in which it is fenced is huge. It
has a small mantapa (hall) and the overhead lintel is decorated. There are
seating arrangements made of stone. The pillars supporting the roof of mantapa
were simple. A small porch adorns the entrance. The exterior of the temple is
decorated with sculptures, both mythological and floral.
The thrikuta Temple built on a star shaped plan consists of
Garbhagraha, Sukhanasi and Navaranga, and is elegantly decorated with 20
pillars and doorjambs that are attractive. The deity in the sanctum sanctorum
is Keshava, which is about a meter and half in height. The other deities are
Yoga Narasimha and Lakshmi. Even though the dedication of the structure
actually was made to Keshava, the Temple is popularly called Yoga Narasimha
temple.
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