Harihareshwara Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of Tungabhadra River at Harihar in Davangere district of Karnataka state. The temple dates back to the Hoysala era and is said to have been built in 1223-1224 CE by Commander and Minister Polalwa under King Vira Narasimha II of the Hoysala Empire.
This temple is 282 km from Bangalore, 16 km from Davangere, 1.5 km from Harihar Bus Stand and 02 km from Harihar Railway Station.
Harihareshwar Temple is open from 5 AM – 12:30 PM, and 5 PM – 8:30 PM.
Harihareshwar temple has the main deity “Harihara” who is a combination of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and the left vertical half of Vishnu. The image bears the attributes of Shiva on its right hand and Vishnu on its left hand.
History
According to Hindu legend, a demon called Guha (Guhasura) once inhabited and controlled considerable parts of this vicinity. By his penance Guha appeased the Hindu god Brahma and obtained a boon, by virtue of which it was impossible for Hari (Vishnu) or Hara (Shiva) to kill him single-handedly. Then Guha tormented the gods and men. To overcome Brahma’s boon and prevent Guha, according to a legend, when Vishnu appeared before Shiva as Mohini, the latter tried to mingle with her and embrace her. At this moment, when Mohini reverted to Vishnu’s true form, Vishnu and Shiva together assumed the form of Harihara. He got down to earth and killed the demon. The incarnation on earth is said to be at nearby Kudalur, at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Haridra rivers.
The temple is built on a square mandapa (hall) plan typical of Hoysala construction. Hence the outer wall of the mandapa shows many projections. The roof of the mandapa wall is a parapet wall with half pillars supporting the outer ends. The ceiling of the open mandapa is decorated with lotus-like artistic decoration. The ceiling is supported by lathe-turned full pillars. The material used for the temple is soapstone. The original gopura (vimana) on top of the temple is missing and has been replaced with brick and mortar in modern times. A number of Old-Kannada inscriptions and hero stones are preserved in the temple premises.
It is believed that by performing their puja, both the Lords will be appeased and help remove all evil spirits from one’s life and bring happiness and prosperity. Ayyappan is a Hindu god and the son of Lord Harihara (a fusion of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu). Ayyappa is also known as Manikandan, Shasta and Dharmashasta.
