Harihareshwara Temple

The Harihareshwara Temple in Harihar, Karnataka, was built around 1223–1224 by Polalva, who served as commander and minister to the Hoysala king Vira Narasimha II, and in 1268 Soma, a commander of Narasimha III, made additions. Its deity, Harihara, joins Shiva and Vishnu in one figure: the right half is Shiva and the left half Vishnu, each hand holding the matching god's emblems. Legend tells of the demon Guha, granted a boon that neither Hari nor Hara alone could kill him; the two gods therefore came together as Harihara and slew him, descending at nearby Kudalur where the Tungabhadra and Haridra meet.

Built of soapstone, the temple uses the staggered square hall plan common in Hoysala work, so its outer walls step in and out. Lathe-turned pillars support a ceiling decorated with lotuses. The original tower over the shrine is lost and was replaced in modern times in brick and mortar. Several old Kannada inscriptions and hero stones are kept on the premises.