Temple Description

Kodandarama Swami Temple, pronounced [kod̪ʌɳɖʌɾaməswami], is a Hindu shrine situated in Hiremagalur, near Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Kodandarama, depicted with his brother Lakshmana, both holding arrows.

The temple is protected by the State and appears to have been built in several phases. Its garbhagrha (sanctum) and sukhanasi (entrance hall) are in the Hoysala style, while other parts of the temple reflect Dravidian architecture. The current navaranga (hall) dates back to the 14th century, and the mukhamandapa (outer hall) likely originates from the 16th century. The outer walls of the garbhagrha and vestibule are supported by a square basement with six cornices, while the navaranga and mukhamandapa are constructed from brick and mortar. The vestibule’s projection appears to be a later addition from the 17th century.

Temple Contents

In the garbhagrha, there is a pedestal featuring a 1.5-foot-high idol of Kodandarama with Sita on his right and Lakshmana on his left. Rama and Lakshmana are depicted holding arrows in their right hands and bows in their left hands. These idols are of a later date and not from the Hoysala period.

In the temple’s prakara (enclosure), small shrines house figures of Yoganarasimha, Sugriva, Kalinga, Mardhana, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Vedanta Desika, and various alwars. Yoganarasimha is depicted in a meditation posture, 1.06 meters (3.5 feet) high, with a prabhavati (radiant halo) displaying the ten avatars of Vishnu, though Buddha is omitted. This omission is typical in many Srivaishnava representations. Balarama is prominently featured, measuring 4 feet, with a pre-Hoysala style resembling Badami Chalukya craftsmanship. His right lower hand holds a short staff, while his left hand rests on his waist.

The outer walls of the garbhagrha and sukhanasi are adorned with pilasters and turrets, and feature two rows of figures representing Vishnu and his avatars, such as Hayagriva, Narasimha, Lakshminarayana, Venugopala, Kalinga-Mardana, and Govardhanadhari. Other figures include Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda, and Ganapati. A notable sculpture on the Gopuram (tower) near the entrance depicts Agni Bhagavan with two heads, seven tongues, and three legs. A yatra (pilgrimage) to Kodandarama Temple occurs annually during February-March. The temple once had a pond, which is now dry.

Legend

According to local legend, Parashurama, who was prideful, was subdued at Hiremagalur by Rama. Parashurama then requested Rama to show him the scene of his marriage, which led to the depiction of Sita standing to Rama’s right and Lakshmana to his left, as traditionally seen in Hindu marriage ceremonies. This arrangement of Sita, Lakshmana, and Rama is also found in other temples, such as Sri Kodanda Rama Temple in Chunchunakatte, K.R. Nagara Taluk, Mysuru District. The poet Sri Da Ra Bendre described the idols as if they are walking towards the viewer, with intricate carvings of their crowns, jewelry, and postures, particularly praising Sita’s detailed depiction.

Legends also state that the area was once inhabited by nine siddhas who performed penance near a pond known as Siddha Pushkarni. The presence of Parashurama led to the village being called Bhargavapuri, or “town of Bhargava” (Parashurama).