The sculpture of Ishvara Temple, Arasikere dates back to 1220 AD. It is a Shaiva temple that is known for its modest figure sculptures. Its complex architecture is unique in the history of Hoysala architecture and sculpture. Moreover it has a 16-pointed star shaped mandapa and a star shaped shrine. All these are typical features of Hoysala sculpture and architecture.

The temple has been built in such a way that it faces the east. As is the norm with the Hoysala temples soapstone has been used as the building material. It is one of those Hoysala monuments that has a single shrine and is hence an ekatuka. However there are open and closed mandapas, a vimana and an inner chamber. The presiding deity is a Shiva linga. It is at the mandapa or the hall where the devotees offer their prayers. The ceiling of the closed mandapa has been divided into 9 bays with the help of the four lathe tuned pillars. An interesting feature of Hoysala architecture is the lathe turned pillars. These are common to all the big and small temples of this dynasty. These mammoth pillars support the ceiling.

What is noticeable in the architecture and sculpture of Ishvara Temple is the stellate design of the open mandapa. Its design drifts away from the usual staggered square. On the contrary the mandapa offers no space for the devotees to enter the temple. The entrance has been carved through a gap between the mandapas and the bay.

The tower or the shikhara of the shrine has a kalasha on top of it. But it has been discovered that the latter is a later addition. The vestibule connects the shrine to the closed mandapa. It has its own tower or sukanasi. Apart from this the outer walls display fine sculptures. The central ceiling of the closed mandapa is also profusely decorated with elegant and detailed sculptures.

Besides these the temple panels bear around 120 carved figures. The dwarpalakas and the well carved dome shaped ceiling of the open mandapa further add to the beauty of the sculpture of Ishvara Temple.