Panchalingeshwara Temple, Govindanahalli

The Panchalingeshwara Temple in Govindanahalli, Mandya district, was built around 1238 AD under the Hoysala king Vira Someshwara, and the celebrated sculptor Ruvari Mallitamma is known to have worked on it. Its name means five lingas, and the art historian Gerard Foekema called it a rare example of a five-shrined, five-towered Hoysala temple. It is a Monument of National Importance.

The five east-facing shrines stand in a north–south line, each with a sanctum, vestibule and hall, all joined by a long pillared hall on the east side. Two porches with lathe-turned pillars lead in, placed before the second and the third shrine. The outer walls are modestly decorated with miniature towers on pilasters and panels including scenes from the epics, and each shrine carries a three-tiered tower with a kalasha. The halls inside have seventeen niches, many holding fine sculpture.