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Harihar, Karnataka · 14.5117°, 75.8019°
Built in 1223-24 by Polalva, a commander of Hoysala king Vira Narasimha II, with further work in 1268, the temple enshrines Harihara, a single image joining Shiva's right half to Vishnu's left. Old Kannada inscriptions and hero stones stand in its precinct; the original tower has been replaced in brick.
What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.
A demon named Guha is said to have terrorised the region until Vishnu and Shiva combined as Harihara and destroyed him, descending at nearby Kudalur where the Tungabhadra meets the Haridra.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Hoysala
Answers only from cited records
Opening the line…