Amrutesvara Temple in Amritapura, Chikmagalur,
Jambunathan Iyer
“Today’s special *Sani Pradosham* and tomorrow’s *Mahashivaratri* — both are peaks of Shiva devotion.
In these sacred hours, recalling the wonders of Shiva temples deepens our spiritual journey.
Amrutesvara Temple in Amritapura, Chikmagalur, is not just a shrine but a living museum of devotion, art, and history. Built in 1196 AD by Hoysala emperor Veera Ballala II, this temple stands as a jewel of Karnataka’s heritage. Each pillar and wall of the temple narrates the story of architectural excellence in that era. Its uniqueness lies in the 140 epic panels carved on its walls
Ramayana scenes in reverse order on the southern wall,
Krishna’s childhood on the northern side,
Mahabharata episodes completing the circle.
The architecture is similar to belur and halebidu. It is situated in Amruthapura which is about 7km from Tarikere town.
The sanctum houses the Trimurti Shivalinga brought from the Gandaki River in Nepal, alongside Goddess Sharada. Sculptor Mallitamma is believed to have begun his illustrious journey here, marking the dawn of the Hoysala golden age. The temple’s polished lathe-turned pillars, floral ceilings, and intricate carvings of Gajasura slaying and warrior motifs leave devotees and visitors spellbound.
The tranquil Bhadra River nearby, lush greenery, and rituals like Bilva Archana and Kumkum Archana make this temple a spiritual haven.
The Devotes do Prathama and rituals here by doing Bilva and the Kumkumam Archana also Offering a saree as a token of gratitude which is a custom practised in the temple.
Further Aksharbhyasam (or Akshara Arambham) to induct children into formal schooling by writing the beejakshara ‘Om’ is also practised in the temple.
Amrutesvara Links is a rare league of Shiva and Vishnu temples where the Ramayana is etched in stone, guiding generations through devotion and epic storytelling. Where epics breathe through stone, devotion becomes eternal.
Here I want add of the Other Temples with Ramayana on Walls
- **Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi** – Famous for its Ramayana friezes across the walls.
**Vithalswami Temple, Vijayanagara** – Known for inscriptions of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Om Nama Shivaya Om Namo Narayanaya. Happy Maha Shivarathiri 2026
" What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things "
