Gaurishwara temple, Yellandur

A “wow” came out of my mouth as I had the first glimpse of this temple at Yellandur. We were driving back from BR hills and had reached Yellandur after visiting Arkeshwara Temple at Hale Alur. I was expecting a small temple in a narrow street of Yellandur but here was a big temple with lot of open space next to the main road. Feeling happy about the pleasant surprise, we got down from the car and entered into the temple.

The temple was constructed by a local chief Singedepa Devabhupala in 16^th century during the reign on Vijayanagar Empire. The striking feature of the temple is the grand entrance (called as Mahadwara). It lacks traditional gopura but the most unusual part is the chain of stone rings (bangles). This is something not usually seen in temples. It is called as Bale Mantapa and can be traced to the period of Cholas. It is said that one can hear music when the stone rings are tapped.

The entrance is heavily carved and decorated. The wall relief sculptures depicting various stories and epics, beautifully carved ornate pillars, Sculptures of Kalinga Mardhana, Mahishashura Mardhini, and of many cults provide great view.

The main Temple has an open hall with stone pillars, a closed hall (Mantapa) and the sanctum (Garbhagruha). The Ganrbhagruha has a Shiva linga which is worshipped. The priest stays in a house within the temple complex.

There is quite some open space in the complex. You can see Kannada inscriptions in the temple. There is also another small Temple dedicated to Parvathi. A small stone building is seen at the back of the temple complex.

Behind the temple is the residence built by Diwan Purniah which is now converted to a museum. I wanted to go but due to lack time, we decided to skip it. We decided to visit in future when we pass through Yellandur.

In general, Gaurishwara Temple is a great piece of Architecture. if you are passing through Yellandur, you can visit this beautiful temple.