About Srinivasa Temple. Research by Dr. M.S. Krishnamurthy Former Professor and Chairman Dept. of Ancient History and Archaeology University of Mysore, Mysore.
And Vice- Chairman, Technical Committee. Situated on the right bank of the river Kaveri, at a distance of about 15 Km from Mysore city, Srinivasa Kshetra is known for its ancient temple dedicated to gods Srinivasa and Bhoga Narasimha. The temple, much in ruins, has two sanctums facing east and south. The main shrine that faces east houses the image of Lord Venkateswara, and the one that faces south houses the images of Bhoga Narasimha flanked by Sri and Bhu Devis. These sculptures, from the point of view of style and workmanship, may be placed to about 17th century AD. However, the western shrine proper is a structure of 11th century AD built during the Chola occupation of this region. It appears that the image a form of Lord Vishnu, originally installed in this shrine, was replaced later by the existing sculpture. The original shrine, built during XI century AD; on plan consisted only of a square sanctum and an oblong vestibule in front. This architectural unit was once surrounded by a closely spaced cloistered veranda as at the Narasimha temple at Tonnur. This part has been totally altered to construct a Matha and a kitchen in recent years. During the late Vijayanagar period (c. XVI century AD), structural addition in the form of a rectangular assembly hall, was made. To this hall, on the northern side were added a vestibule and a sanctum which houses the seated images of gods Narasimha, Sri and Bhu devis. Facing the doorways of the two sanctums, entrances with porches were provided to the assembly hall on the eastern and southern sides. A compound with gates towards the south and the north were also constructed. The images of Lord Venkatesha, Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, are beautiful sculptures having exquisite workmanship. The carvings are crisp, delicate and detailed, reminding us of the influence of Hoysala art. The images are intact and quite big. The image of Srinivasa is four feet tall and that of Narasimha is six feet tall. The images of Sri and Bhu devis are sculptured to suit the height of the Narasimha image. These images, with their impressive size and intricate workmanship, are unique amongst their class of sculptors; hence need proper care and protection.
Repair and Conservation Work to be undertaken: The temple is now in a bad state of preservation. The outer walls of the ancient sanctum are losing their plumb line. These walls are to be re-assembled. The tower of brick and mortar above is highly dilapidated. This needs to be re-constructed. The tower of Bhoga Narasimha shrine also needs urgent repairs. Portions of outer walls of the assembly hall need to be reset. The porch on the eastern and southern sides, also need to be reset. The entrance porch on the northern side of the compound is to be reconstructed. A new enclosure wall is to be built. The remains of the plinth of the original cloistered veranda around the western sanctum, is to be traced and conserved. The Utsava Mandapa built during the recent centuries, on the northern-western side of the enclosure also needs repairs.
The technical committee consisting of the specialists from the field has prepared a detailed project report for the renovation and restoration of this unique temple. As per the estimation made by the experts, the cost of renovation and restoration work will exceed Rs.30.00 lakhs. The estimated time for conservation and restoration work is about 24 months.