Harihareshwara Temple
A 12th-century Hoysala temple at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Haridra rivers, unusual for enshrining a composite Harihara form of Vishnu and Shiva in one idol.
The Harihareshwara Temple, built around 1224 CE under Hoysala patronage, sits at the sangama (confluence) of the Tungabhadra and Haridra rivers in the town that takes its name from the deity — Harihara, the composite form merging Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) into a single icon. This theological fusion, relatively rare in South Indian temple iconography, reflects an effort to reconcile Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions under one shrine.
The temple’s star-shaped plan, ornate lathe-turned pillars, and finely carved ceiling panels place it firmly within the mature Hoysala idiom also seen at Belur and Halebidu, though on a more intimate scale. It remains an active pilgrimage site, particularly during Karthika Masa and the annual car festival.
Getting there: Harihar town lies on the Tungabhadra’s south bank just off NH-48 between Davanagere and Ranebennur; the temple is close to the river ghat, a short walk from the Harihar Post Office in the old town.
The site itself
Where to get your stamp cancelled
This may not be next to the site itself — some post offices serve several nearby landmarks.
- Post office
- Harihar Post Office
- Pincode
- 577601
- Address
- Harihar Post Office, Temple Road, Harihar, Davanagere District, Karnataka
Sources
- Project maintainer transcription of the physical Philately Passport booklet (district/landmark/post office list)