Rare Hoysala Inscription Discovered at Arasikere Shiva Temple
A significant Hoysala inscription has been found at the Shiva temple in Cheluvanahalli village, Arasikere taluk, Hassan district, according to Prof. T. Murugeshi, retired associate professor of Ancient History and Archaeology.
The inscription, written in 13th-century Kannada script, is located on the outside prakara of the temple and features five lines of text, although it contains several errors. The upper panel depicts a Lingam, a man seated with folded palms, and a cow.
The inscription reveals that on April 6, 1224 (Subhanu Savat Vaishaka Bahula Brahavara), Kacheya Nayaka, a local chief, donated for the merit of Bhantara, likely a Shaiva pontiff. The writing style and date match the 13th-century Hoysala script.
Arasikere, the heartland of the Hoysala empire, is known for its numerous Hoysala inscriptions and monuments. Although the Shiva temple has been renovated, this discovery highlights its historical significance.
Prof. Murugeshi credits Mr. Harish, a Kannada lecturer at the government first-grade college in Arasikere, for discovering the inscription and bringing it to his attention for study.