Hassan – Hasanamba Temple and temple history

The Hasanamba Temple in Hassan is a specific point of interest for travelers interested in temple history and architecture. Its foundation is dated to approximately the 12th century and associated with the Palayagars Krishnappa Nayaka and Sanjeeva Nayaka. The carvings at the temple are in the Dravidian style. The approximate date of its foundation and the design of the carvings offer two different ways to explore this historic site.

The Hasanamba Temple and the Jatra Festival

The Sri Hassanamba Jatra Mahotsav is one of Karnataka’s special Jatra festivals, held annually. Once a year, the Hasanamba Temple opens for public darshan. Depending on the calendar, this opportunity lasts one or twelve days; the specific opening days vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the relevant annual calendar.

Belur as a regional point of reference

Belur complements this local perspective as a destination in its own right in the surrounding area: the town lies on the banks of the Yagachi River and is 38 km from Hassan. This places Hassan, a point of reference for temple history, alongside Belur, a riverside landmark.

Temple history in the wider Hassan destination

In the wider Hassan destination, Mosale is home to two Hoysala temples: Nageshvara and Channakeshava. The temples are dedicated to Nageshvara and Channakeshava, respectively; they stand directly beside one another, just a few feet apart. Their design and craftsmanship are identical; stylistic and architectural features place the pair in the 13th century AD. For travelers interested in architectural history, this offers a chronological comparison with the Hasanamba Temple in Hassan, whose foundation is dated to approximately the 12th century.

In Shantigrama, the Dharmeshvara Temple was built in 1123 AD by Narasingayya. The Yoga-Narasimha Temple in the same village features delicate floral stone ornaments. Shantigrama thus brings together two different temple features: a construction date and builder, and an architectural detail. The Dharmeshvara Temple is dated to 1123, while the Hasanamba Temple is dated to approximately the 12th century.

Other places in the wider Hassan destination also have their own historical and architectural features. The Lakshmidevi Temple in Doddagadduvalli is an early example of the Hoysala style and has a rare four-part layout. The Keerti-Narayana Temple in Heragu was built in 1217 AD. A temple in Kondajji houses a 4.2-meter-high statue of Channakeshava, also known as Allalanatha. Markuli is known for an old basti in the early Hoysala style. These examples differ in what they highlight: style and layout, year of construction, statue size, or the old basti.

Shettihalli Church is also part of the region’s history: it was submerged after the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir were built in 1960.

Discover more destinations: Halebeedu, Heggadihalli, Maranhalli, Kollahalli, Hasade, Jambaradi

Back to the wider travel overview: Hassan.