Sanctum and Navaranga
Twin shrines and the deity
Each shrine has a Shiva Linga (Lord Shiva is worshipped in an abstract form called the Linga), one named Hoysaleshwara and the other Shantaleshwara. The Hoysaleshwara is a Dwikuta temple, meaning it houses two shrines. These two shrines are dedicated to the Hoysala King Vishnuvardana and his wife, Shantaladevi. The suffix Eashwara translates to the Lord Of, and it is commonly suffixed to many names in the Shiva temples. Here, Hoysaleshwara means 'The Lord of Hoysalas,' and Shantaleshwara means 'the lord of Shantala.' The other popular names of Shiva temples with the Eshwara suffix are Omkareshwara, situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and Mahakeshwar in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Nasik, Maharashtra.
Navaranga pillars
The open halls, the Navarangas, in front of each shrine house four magnificent lathe-turned columns with cubical bases covered with carvings. Angled brackets depicting dancing maidens under a foliage canopy overlook the mantapas below. However, only a few of these remain, that too in damaged condition.
The precision of the geometric patterns engraved on the columns is noteworthy. Such artistry seems possible only with advanced lathe technology, and it is a wonder that they were hand-carved.
Ceiling bays
Passageway
The 4-metre-wide passageway connecting the two shrines is about 50 meters long. The entrance seen in the image is the northern one. A few smaller sub-shrines line the walls of the passage. Perforated stone screens between the columns are a later addition. They add to the aesthetics of the temple but block the light inside, dimming the interiors.