Joshi Shankara Narayana Temple at
Bhatkal in
Uttara Kannada District is said to have been built around AD 1554. It is a small, square shaped temple with only the
garbhgriha or inner chamber of the temple. The name of the temple indicates the oneness of Hari and Hara. The beautiful idol of Kaivalya is worshipped here. This idol has the four-handed figure of Lord
Vishnu on its left side and the figure of Lord
Shiva on its right side with two hands holding
Trishul and Japasara (garland of beads). On either side of the idol,
Nandi and
Garuda insignia are seen.
