Harihareshwara Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Harihar, Karnataka state, India. The temple was built in c. 1223–1224 CE by Polalva, a commander and minister of the Hoysala Empire King Vira Narasimha II. In 1268 CE, Soma, a commander of King Narasimha III of the same dynasty made some additions.^[1] The temple houses the deity Harihara, a fusion of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva. The image of the deity is a fusion of the right vertical half of Shiva and the left vertical half of Vishnu.^[2] The image holds in its right hand, the attributes of Shiva and in the left hand, those of Vishnu.

The temple is constructed in a staggered square mantapa (hall) plan, typical of Hoysala constructions. Therefore, the outer wall of the mantapa shows many projections and recesses.^[3] The wall of the mantapa is a parapet wall resting on which are half pillars that support the outer ends of the roof (cornice).^[4] The ceiling of the open mantapa is adorned with artistic decoration such as lotuses. The ceiling is supported by lathe turned full pillars. The material used for the temple is soapstone (also called potstone).^[4][5] The original tower over the shrine (Vimana) is missing and has been replaced in modern times with one of brick and mortar.^[2] Preserved within the temple premises are several old-K