Govindanahalli Panchalingeshwara Temple

Govindanahalli Panchalingeshwara Temple (1238 CE) is a Hoysala Panchakuta (five-towered) stone temple in Mandya district, dedicated to five Shiva lingas. One of only a handful of surviving Hoysala temples with five equal towers — a form associated with the five cosmic manifestations of Shiva.

Built in Hoysala grey-green chloritic schist (soapstone), the exterior walls carry multi-tiered horizontal friezes of elephants, lions, scrolling foliage, horsemen, and divinities. The five towers create a silhouette of extraordinary complexity.