Moole Shankareshwara Devastana, Turuvekere

Historically Turuvekere was a Agrahara, an enclave of Brahmin people who pursued academics. Also Turuvekere was a religious center during Hoysala times, probably even earlier too. Today, Turuvekere is home to several temples of which four are tourist attractions- 1. Gangadhareshwara, 2. Chennigaraya Swamy, 3. Moole Shankareshwara and 4. Beteraya Swamy. These temples are concentrated in the north-western part of this little town, walkable distances from each other.

Jan 27, 2023. On reaching Turuvekere, I first stopped at Beteraya Devastana, the gates will still locked. I moved on to Ganagadhareshwara Devastana, an ancient shrine dedicated to Shiva. This temple was under renovation hence temple was closed, probably pooja was not being done. The two main attractions of Gangadhareshwara Devastana are- 1. a large idol of Nandi and 2. a big bell made of soapstone hanging from the porch of the side entrance. Next I headed towards Moole Shankara Gudi, about 120m away. This part of Turuvekere is basically a residential locality, it was peaceful. Moole Shankara Gudi is situated close to the town, beyond the coconut trees seen in the picture below, is Turuvekere lake. Apparently this temple was flooded with lake water and remained neglected for sometime. Currently the temple is being renovated, a construction team had just begun their day's work.

As per online sources, Moole Shankareshwara Devastana was completed around 1260 CE during the rule of Hoysala king Narasimha II. This is a Ekakuta meaning a temple with one sanctum and one entrance. Although the temple door is south-facing, the sanctum is east-facing. The temple plan is said to be Bhumija Nagara style on Moola-prasada (semi-stellate base) hence the name Moole Shankareshwara. The temple is complete with a Shikhara over its Garbhagudi.

The Mukhamantapa (porch has a Sukanasi (sitting platform). On entering the temple, its the Sabhamantapa with a central NatyaMantapa. Before sseeing the interiors, I'll go around the temple first.

This is the eastern wall. In this wall is a port hole which gives a view of the Sabhamantapa and Garbhagudi. On the right hand side is the Stambha, not sure what it's called... Dwajastambha, Vijayastambha, or Deepastambha.

The porthole in the eastern wall. This temple has been restored, the roof especially has been done up fully.

North-eastern view. The temple has a wide open space on its backside which is being levelled with granite slabs. This space would be convenient during special rituals.

Back at the front... a side view of the Mukhamantapa.

At the temple entrance is a damaged idol of Shankara seated on a throne with a Kirtimukha at its head.

View of the Sabhamantapa. Directly ahead is the Garbhagudi connected to the Sabhamantapa through an Antharala (vestibule). The deity is a Shivalinga. The Garbhagudi is flanked by idols of Ganesha and Shanmugha. The lady seen here is the caretaker who opened the temple for my visit.

Nandi seated opposite Shivalinga.

The pillars are simpler compared to other Hoysala temples in Turuvekere taluq.

Having seen the inside of the temple and a quick Darshan of Moole Shankara, I thank the lady and step out. Before I close this post, lets take a quick look at the base of the Stambha. The southern face has a carving of Nandi.

Not much is known about this temple but happy it has been protected and preserved. I move on, towards Chennakeshaava Devastana, about 300 meters away.

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