![]() Each of the shrines has a complete tower on its top. These superstructures are known to be the largest examples of Hoysala architecture. The third shrine is quite ancient with both closed and open mandapas. The closed one has 13 bays and the open mandapa has 9 bays. The central shrine is situated at the end of the hall. This shrine has all the architectural elements of the Hoysala temple building. ![]() The shapes of the two shrines facing each other vary as one shrine is star shaped and the other is square shaped. Even the sukanasi of these shrines are different. There are similarities in these shrines too. All the shrines have well sculptured figures on towers while the wall sculptures are quite bold. Some of the prominent sculptures in this temple are the Kalia daman scene (related to Lord Krishna) and an image of Garuda. Being a Vishnu temple all the three shrines has well sculpted images of the Lord. The central shrine has an image of Narayana (deity with four hands) that rises to a height of 8 feet. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala art. The lord is seen standing on a padmasana or lotus seat. The southern shrine has an image of Venugopala and a garuda pedestal while the northern shrine houses Yoganarasimha, sitting in a yoga posture. The sculpture of Veeranarayana Temple also includes the vimanas that have been profusely decorated with the sculpted demon faces or kirtimukhas. |