The serene village of Nuggehalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a hidden jewel of Hoysala architecture. Built in 1246 CE by the Hoysala commander Bommanna Dandanayaka, this temple stands as a symbol of spiritual grandeur and architectural brilliance from the 13th century. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the temple remains a peaceful and inspiring pilgrimage and heritage destination.
Temple About
The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is revered for its spiritual importance and architectural beauty. It is a trikuta (three-shrine) temple where Lord Narasimha is the main deity, accompanied by Venugopala and Keshava inside shrines.
Temple Description
Built in classic Hoysala style, the temple stands on a raised platform (jagati) and features intricately carved pillars, ceilings, and exterior walls. The sculptures vividly depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana, making it not only a place of worship but also a storytelling marvel in stone.
Temple Specialty
Exquisite Hoysala architecture and carvings
Dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, a powerful form of Vishnu
Unique Trikuta Vimana layout with three sanctums
Peaceful, non-commercial temple with deep heritage value
A must-visit for art lovers and devotees alike
Temple Address
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli, Channarayapatna Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka – 573131, India
Temple Location (Latitude & Longitude)
Latitude: 12.9991° N, Longitude: 76.5708° E
Temple Timings
Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
(Closed in the afternoon hours)
Temple Sevas
Daily Archana and Abhisheka
Special Poojas on Narasimha Jayanti, Vaikunta Ekadashi
(As it’s a heritage-protected monument, rituals may be limited)
Traveling Facilities
Easily accessible by road, rail, and air
Regular KSRTC buses and taxis available from Channarayapatna and Hassan
Local transport: Autos and taxis
Food Facilities
Limited eateries in Nuggehalli
Better food options available in Channarayapatna (16 km) and Hassan (50 km)
Stay Facilities
No hotels in Nuggehalli village
Budget and mid-range hotels available in Channarayapatna and Hassan
Nearby Railway Station
Channarayapatna Railway Station – ~16 km
Hassan Railway Station – ~50 km
Nearby Airport
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru – ~180 km
Mysuru Airport – ~130 km
Nearby Bus Station
Channarayapatna KSRTC Bus Stand – Regular buses to nearby areas
Local autos/taxis needed to reach temple from bus station
Bus Routes to Temple
From Bangalore/Hassan – Take a bus to Channarayapatna, then local transport to Nuggehalli
Train Routes to Temple
Trains available to Channarayapatna and Hassan from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru
Continue by taxi or bus to reach the temple
Airways to Temple
Nearest major airport: Bengaluru (BLR)
Travel by taxi/train/bus from Bengaluru to Nuggehalli via Channarayapatna
Nearby Cities to Temple
Channarayapatna – 16 km
Hassan – 50 km
Mysuru – 130 km
Bengaluru – 180 km
Nearby Visiting Temples and Places
Sadashiva Temple, Nuggehalli – Nearby Hoysala-style temple
Chennakesava Temple, Belur – 75 km
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu – 65 km
Shravanabelagola – 25 km
Manjarabad Fort, Gorur Dam, Bisle Ghat – Around Hassan
Preferable Visiting Season
October to March – Best weather for comfortable sightseeing
Avoid monsoon and peak summer
Shopping – Famous For?
Nearby Hassan and Channarayapatna offer silk sarees, local crafts, and traditional souvenirs
No major shopping options in Nuggehalli itself
The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Nuggehalli is a timeless blend of devotion and artistic brilliance. Though off the regular tourist map, it offers a deeply fulfilling experience for pilgrims, historians, and architecture lovers. With nearby connections to heritage sites like Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola, this temple is an essential stop in any Karnataka heritage tour. Its calm atmosphere, stunning sculptures, and cultural depth make it a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual peace and historical wonder.
