Heragu is a village in Dudda hobli, Hassan Dist and is about 20 kms. from Hassan. It is well connected by road to Hassan and a direct bus service from Bangalore is also available. From the records available, it can be said that the village has been in existence for over a thousand years. It was the head quarters of many Chieftons/Pallegaras of the Hoysalas, during the period of Veeraballara-II and Narasimha Deva. There are a number of monuments of architectural importance in and around this village, they are
1. Gate way to the village (HEBBAGILU)
2. Pushkarani or Kalyani
3. Tank
4. Ruined Basati
5. Sri Kirthinarayana Temple - Proposed for renovation
6. Sri Kali Kamatheshwara Temple
7. Sri Kalleswara Temple
8. Sri Hari Hara Temple (at Hariharapura about 3 kms from Heragu)
All the above monuments were constructed around the 11th and 12th century. Of the above monuments, Sl.Nos. 4 to 8 have been extensively studied by the Archaelogical Survey of India, and have been included in the "Mysore Archaelogical Report" for the years 1924, 1925 and 1942.

Due to constant exposure to the elements of nature and a total lack of maintenance, most of these structures are in a dilapidated state and are in need of maintenance. Keeping in mind the above facts, and the present condition of the above monuments, a seva samithi, HERAGU SRI KIRTHINARAYANA SEVA SAMITHI, was constituted and registered in the year 1995. It was proposed to collect funds from the public for the purpose of renovation of the above monuments one by one. Renovation work on the "Sri Kirthinarayan Temple" was proposed by the samithi, to be taken up first. There are only two temples which are dedicated to Lord Kirthinarayana in Karnataka. One of them is situated at Talakadu and the other is at Heragu. This temple has been built in the Hoysala style with a GARBHAGRIHA, SUKHANASI, NAVARANGA and a porch. A general picture of the present state of the structure and the rectification works to be carried out, is as described below.

GARBHAGRIHA :

A beam at the lintel level, at the entrance of the Garbhagriha is broken and the weight of the gopuram is constantly weakening the supporting pillars. Similarly the pillars on both right and left on the backside of the "Vigraha" have become weak and the supports placed above the pillars are developing cracks. The beam placed across the pillars might give way at any moment. Further, due to lack of proper water drainage facility, from the floor, the floor inside the
garbhagriha is damp. The above conditions are depicted in photographs.

SUKHANASI :

The stone slabs provided are in poor condition and need replacement; i.e. the flooring needs to be redone,

NAVARANGA :

The inner portion of the Navaranga is relatively in a better condition, except for the leakage from the roof. The outer walls have suffered damages, the vertical slabs of the walls are projecting out. This is as illustrated in photographs.

MUKHA MANTAPA (ENTRANCE) :

Water from the roof during rains and constant dampness of the floor has resulted in the foundation of this structure becoming weak, the mantapa is on the verge of collapsing and needs immediate attention. Although the samiti was formed in 1995, we have not been able to raise the necessary funds from the public, as the initial response was not encouraging. Constant endeavor and persuasion by the committee members have resulted in a number of devotees, having come forward to donate their might as and when required. the cost that is involved for complete renovation of the temple, which is proposed to be undertaken in phases will be estimated.

Condition of the Temple

The temple is approachable from Bangalore - Mangalore National Highway, one has to take a turn at madenur (10 Kms from Madenur). About 164 Kms from Bangalore. This is a Hoysala temple consisting of a Garbha griha, an antarala (with Kaliyamardana Krishna as Latata bimba) an Assembly Hall, Navaranga and a porch. The lathe turned pillars have usual capital, abacus and bracket. In the ceiling are lotus motifs but many of them are unfinished. Over the door frame different types of Sikhara motifs are carved. The dvarapala figures are damaged. In one ankana of the hall images of Alvars are installed. The lintel of the garbhagriha door has Vishnu flanked by Cheuribearers as Latatabimba. Two beams in the ceiling of the garbhagriha have cracked and one of them is given a support. The roof is leaking all over the temple. The uneven flooring needs to be repaired by replacing damaged stones with new ones. The foundation may be examined since the veneering and core have sunk. After dismantling the Sikhara and bulging walls of garbhagriha and Sabhamantapa, they should be reconstructed using the available stone. The core should be made up with brick jelly cement concrete.

The modern compound wall on the east of the temple should be removed and a gate with a stone pillars as per the entrance gate on the west should be provided. The rest of the compound wall may be suitably repaired and matched with stone structure. The stone pavement around the temple should be reset with proper soiling. The western entrance has an improvised stone mantapa constructed out of pillars, brackets etc. brought from somewhere else. This may be repaired as it is a part of the history of repairs of the temple. The damaged walls of the gate should be constructed with stone slabs on a sound foundation. At both the entrances (East and West) steps should be provided for proper access to the temple. Whitewash covering details of carving should be physically and chemically removed. The electric wiring is to be redone. As this is a Hoysala temple, the platform (Jagati) might have been buried below stone pavement. If trial trenches reveal a Jagati, it should be fully exposed and co served. Proper drainage is a necessity. A new brick structure built within the courtyard of the temple should be removed and trust may take repairs to the temple if this temple committee agree to remove it.