Raghunatha Swami Temple

The Raghunatha temple was erected in the middle of the l6th century, but we have not so far come across any reference to its patron. It is a structure of no mean proportions and artistic excellence. Its architectural format is in keeping with that of the Vijayanagara temple complexes. Its gopuras are nearly intact, a feature not to be met with in any other Vaishnava temple in the metropolis. The Garbhagriha is unusually large (17.9 mts. wide); though these recall the boulder-reliefs of the Kodandarama temple, undoubtedly, these are worked out and preserved better than those found in other Vaishnava temples.

History

Raghunatha temple is about 2.5 km to the north east of Kamalapura. The Raghunatha temple was erected in the middle of the l6th century. There is a. large five-storied gopura on the south, and a smaller three-storied one on the east. The gopuras lead to the open courtyard containing the Svami and Amman sancta, a Vijayanagara Kalyana-mandapa at the south-west corner and other mandapas. The main sanctum faces east and has an open five-aisled Vijayanagara maha-mandapa, an Ardha-mandapa with the usual side-porches and a Garbhagriha and an Antarala enclosed by a covered prakara with plain exterior walls. The Ardha-mandapa of the Amman shrine has a two-storied sub-shrine facing south and having a Sala-sikhara running east-west.

Art

The main sanctum is a tri-tala vimana with a circular sikhara. The Garbhagriha and antarala walls are attached to the large natural boulder on which are carved large seated images of Rama and Sita with kneeling Hanuman and standing Lakshmana, all cut almost in the round. The image of Rama has the right hand on the chest with the fingers turned inwards.

Architecture

Located on the comparatively level area of Malyavantha hill, this temple complex is contained within an approximately square enclosure. On axis with the east gateway is the principal temple built around a large boulder between the temple and the east gateway is an altar, a monolithic lamp column, and a modern memorial. In the north east corner of the enclosure a small square structure is positioned: in the south east corner another structure abuts the walls. The complex is approached from the south by an ancient path that ascends the hill.