The Unknown and Ancient Architecture Ultra Heaven Sri Arkeshwara Swamy Temple is about 68km from Mysuru, located in Alur village. Visual treat to the eyes. There is thar road all the way to this place. The temple was built by Butuga II (A.D. 939-960) of the Ganga dynasty as a fitting finale to his victory at the Takkolam battle. The temple has on plan a garbhagriha, a sukanasi, a navaranga and a detailed nandimandapa facing east. The adhishthana is simple. The austere entrance door has a solitary sakha of creeper scroll in the circles of which are dancing apsaras at the doorjambs and lintel. On either side of the doorway are inserted two vertical panels horizontally divided into four friezes, each carrying sculptures of drummers. The temple is known for its sculptural depiction on the pillars of the nandimandapa and navaranga in low relief. The reliefs on the circular pillars of the nandimandapa depict the subjugation of Chola commander Rajaditya at the hands of Butuga-Il who fought for the Rashtrakutas under the ruler Krishna III. Overall a must visit place with friends and family
