Amrutheshwara Temple is located in Amruthapura, a small village about 25 km from Bhadravati in Karnataka. The temple lies close to the Bhadra River reservoir, surrounded by peaceful greenery and hills.
The temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of a Shivalinga known as Amrutheshwara. The lingam is made of a sacred stone called Saligrama, which was brought from the Gandaki River in Nepal, making it spiritually very powerful. Within the temple complex, there is also a shrine for Goddess Sharada Devi, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
The Amrutheshwara Temple is a beautiful example of Hoysala architecture, built in soapstone. The temple was constructed in 1196 CE during the reign of King Veera Ballala II by a commander named Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka.The temple has a single shrine (ekakuta) with a closed mantapa (hall) and an open porch. The outer walls are richly carved with sculptures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Ramayana scenes are carved in anti-clockwise order on the south wall, and the Mahabharata scenes are carved in clockwise direction on the north wall.
The temple stands on a raised platform (jagati), allowing devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation).
The carvings are delicate and highly detailed, showcasing fine craftsmanship in every temple corner.
The temple was commissioned by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka, a general under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, in the late 12th century. It was built as an offering to Lord Shiva and as a mark of gratitude for blessings received during times of war and peace. The temple represents the cultural richness and artistic excellence of the Hoysala dynasty, known for building many such beautiful temples across Karnataka.
Long ago, in the serene land of Amruthapura, sages and rishis are believed to have performed deep penance to Lord Shiva. This place, nestled near the banks of the Bhadra River, was considered sacred due to its peaceful atmosphere and divine energy.
According to local legends, a devout commander named Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka, who served under the famous Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He wanted to build a grand temple dedicated to Shiva as a symbol of devotion, peace, and prosperity. With the king’s blessings and support, he built this temple in the year 1196 CE.
It is said that Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of Amrutheshwara and asked him to consecrate a unique saligrama lingam brought from a holy river in Nepal, thus giving the temple a strong spiritual foundation. Pleased with Amrutheshwara’s devotion and efforts, Lord Shiva blessed the land and promised to protect and guide all devotees who prayed at this temple.
The temple came to be known as Amrutheshwara Temple, named after the builder and also interpreted as the “Lord of Immortality” (Amrutha = nectar of immortality, Eshwara = Lord Shiva).
The legend also narrates that the Bhadra River, which flows nearby, turned gentle and nourishing due to Lord Shiva’s divine presence. It is believed that even today, the water from this river, when offered in worship here, brings blessings and healing energy.
The temple celebrates several festivals, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva. Major celebrations include Mahashivaratri, Karthika Deepam. Sharada Navaratri – since Sharada Devi is also worshipped here, this festival is observed with devotion and music.
