Narasimha Temple, located in Hampi village of the south Indian state Karnataka, is a unique shrine which does not have any presiding deity. Also referred as the Jain Temple, it stands on a rocky slope of the Gandhamadana Hill with a river in the front. From the temple compound a long flight of steps projects out of the temple leading to the temple courtyard. As the temple has no idols, it could not be inferred that it is dedicated to which deity. However Vaishnava iconography can be spotted on the walls of the temple. Kadamba style of architecture structures this temple which bears an affinity with the temples of the Hemakuta Hill.
Architecture of Narasimha Temple
The door lintel of the main shrine is embellished with images of Goddess Lakshmi depicted in a seating position. On either side of the doorjambs images of Lord Vishnu have been carved as the doorkeeper deity. The doorjambs are beautifully adorned with fluted designs. Over a plain wall of the shrine, a series of floral motifs can be seen prominently. Around the wall of the temple a band of floral designs also rise up to a considerable height. Images of an elephant, Garuda and Hanuman are carved above the band. The floral bands break at certain points for perforated stone windows. One of the striking features of Narasimha Temple is its roof which is stepped pyramidal resembling the architectural style of Jain temples. There is also a two storied gateway which forms the rear entrance point to Narasimha Temple. It is regarded as a vintage point which offers a panoramic view of the riverside. A tall stone carved lamppost stands outside of the southwest corner of the temple campus.
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