Beautiful Chandramouleshwara Temple : Hoysala Architecture

The Chandramouleshwara Temple (also known as the Ishvara Temple) in Arsikere is a 13th-century Hoysala monument renowned for its highly complex and unique star-shaped architectural plan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Location: The temple is located within the town of Arsikere in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India.

Timings: It is generally open to visitors from around 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though some sources suggest it might close from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and the priest may not be available after 11:30 AM.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee.

Connectivity: It is approximately 45 km from Hassan city and 170-200 km from Bengaluru, accessible by bus or cab.

Architectural Significance
The temple is a prime example of Hoysala architecture, built from soapstone, but its ground plan sets it apart as one of the most intricate among surviving Hoysala monuments.
Unique Plan: The temple features an open mantapa (hall) with a 16-pointed star shape, and an asymmetrical star-shaped shrine, which makes its design unusually complex.
Pillars and Ceilings: The open mantapa is supported by 21 exquisitely lathe-turned pillars, and the ceilings throughout the temple are intricately carved with floral and geometric patterns, including a large dome-like ceiling in the open hall and an inverted lotus design in the Natya mantapa.
Sculpture: The outer walls and interior are adorned with detailed carvings of deities, figures, and mythological stories. Many of the sculptures have suffered damage over time.
Nandi: The Sukanasi (tower over the vestibule) features a sculpture of a bull (Nandi), which is unusual for Hoysala temples that typically feature the Sala fighting a lion emblem.

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