Temple Description

The Harihareshwara Temple, located in Harihar, Karnataka, India, was constructed around 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister under Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. Later, in 1268 CE, additional modifications were made by Soma, a commander of King Narasimha III, from the same dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Harihara, a deity that represents a combination of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva. The idol of Harihara features the right half as Shiva and the left half as Vishnu, with each side holding the respective attributes of these gods.