The temple plan is simple and commonly found in other Hoysala temples. It is a trikuta, though only the middle shrine has a superstructure and a sukhanasi The three equal size shrines are all square in plan and are connected by a common closed hall. The closed hall is preceded by an open porch. The lateral shrines are connected directly to the hall while the middle shrine has a vestibule that connects the sanctum to the hall. Since the lateral shrines have no tower over them and are directly connected to the hall without a vestibule and its corresponding tower like projection, they do not appear like shrines at all from the outside. Rather, they appear absorbed into the walls of hall. The central shrine on the contrary is highly visible from the outside because of its tower, and the sukhanasi that projects prominently from the tower. The lower part of the shrines have five projections per side, these projections being visible on three sides in the case of the central shrine but only on one side in the case of the lateral shrines. The temple stands on a platform, a feature common to many Hoysala temples. The platform, in addition to its visual appeal, is meant to provide devotees a path for circumambulation around the temple. It closely follows the outline of the temple, giving it a good elevated look. The tower over the central shrine and the vestibule are intact and highly decorative. Other standard features in a Hoysala temple are the large domed roof over the tower, which is also the largest sculptural piece in a Hoysala temple and whose shape usually follows that of the shrine ; the kalasaon top of it ; and the Hoysala crest over the sukhanasi. Here the emblem and the kalasa are missing. The kalasa has been replaced during later times with a metallic pinnacle.
Decoration and sculptures
The decorative plan of the outer walls of the shrines and the mantapa is of the "new kind", with two eaves that run around the temple. According to art historianGerard Foekema, [the wall panel images, and the reliefs and friezes that abound in this temple have a relaxed quality of workmanship about them, and in no Hoysala temple do these appear more "folkish in character". In the "new kind" of decorative articulation, the first heavy eaves runs below the superstructure and all around the temple with a projection of about half a meter. The second eaves runs around the temple about a meter below the first. In between the two eaves are the miniature decorative towers on pilasters. Below the second eaves are the wall panel of images of Hindu deities and their attendants in relief. Below this, at the base are the six equal width rectangular moldings. Starting from the top, the friezes depict; hansa in the first frieze, makara in the second, epics and other stories in the third, leafy scrolls in the fourth, horses in the fifth and elephants in the sixth.
