This is a 9th century twin temple complex dedicated to lord Shiva - the oldest surviving Nolambavadi-style Dravidian architecture temple in Karnataka.

For an untrained eye, this looks like a typical ancient south indian temple. But it carries at least 6 centuries of architectural styles from the region, pleasantly blended into one temple complex.

Successive major South Indian dynasties - Ganga Dynasty , Hoysala Empire and the Vijayanagara Empire - all contributed to the present form that has survived into the modern era.

Potpori of architectural schools

You can see the mix of architectural styles here- from Nolambavadi to Hoysala to Vijayanagara in this ornate temple.

Vijayanagara style The hard granite carved composite pillar are the hallmark of the Vijayanagara's . These boldly carved pillars in the porch & pavilions stands out from the rest. This boldness and grandeur are the typical of the Vijayanagara architecture touch.

Hoysala style The tired shikara & ornate soapstone pillars of Vasanta Mantapa is unmistakable of the Hoysala ingenuity.

Nolamba innovations The pierced windows - an enhancement from the early chalukya style - and the crisply decorated square pillars are Nolamba innovations.

Probably, a grand Chola style entrance (Gopuram) was under construction to the architectural mix. But it looks like the construction could not progress beyond granite doorway.