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Panchalingeshwara Temple, Somanathapura

ಪಂಚಲಿಂಗೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ, ಸೋಮನಾಥಪುರ

T. Narsipur, Mysuru, Karnataka

Hoysala Dynasty (Soma Dandanayaka / Narasimha III)HoysalaHindu (Shaiva)state-protectedAI Compiled
Panchalingeshwara Temple, Somanathapura
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Photo by Kevin Samson (via Tumblr @hinducosmos)Fair Use / Heritage Documentation

About

Located just a short walk from the famous UNESCO-listed Chennakeshava Temple in Somanathapura, the Panchalingeshwara Temple is a 13th-century Hoysala-era stone monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built under the patronage of Soma Dandanayaka (high commander of Hoysala King Narasimha III), the temple features five sacred Shiva Lingas (Panchalinga) housed within soapstone shrines, adorned with ornate Hoysala friezes, doorways, and carved pillars. Long overshadowed by the main Vaishnava complex, it stands as a testament to the dual Shaiva-Vaishnava heritage of ancient Somanathapura.

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