Dedicated to Shiva, it is one of the most notable early Hoysala architecture examples with a rotating circular plan, a domed mandapa with 16-point star shape, a pancatala vimana, and a galaxy of artwork depicting Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Vedic legends of Hinduism.

It is at the southwestern edge of the Nagapuri forest and hills, connected to India's national highway network through NH 73.

They reported witnessing numerous mutilated figures of Durga, Ganesha, Mahisasuramardini and others, as well as scattered sections of "some temple which is no longer in existence".

[6] It is modest in size, yet with a sophisticated architecture because of its ground plan: a 16-point star-shaped mantapa (hall) and a stellate shrine with each corner distinct.

[3] The open mantapa (mandapa, hall), is a deep concentric joist-and rafter ceiling with a inverted lotus, states Dhaky, and this is so crafted that it successfully simulates a timber appearance.

[2] The architect provided an integrated stone bench along the sides of the open mandapa for pilgrims to gather and sit.

Above it is a panel with (left to right): Vishnu, Kartikeya (also known as Subramanyam, Murugan, Skanda), Shiva in the middle flanked with lions, Ganesha and Brahma.

It is based on a rotating circular plan with two pallavis – bifacial-equilateral and stellate, together they compose the dramatic and charming symmetry of the superstructure, states Dhaky.

The reliefs therein include various forms of Shiva, the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses), the avatars of Vishnu, Ganesha, Surya, Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati – thus, presenting the galaxy of Hindu legends and traditions.

The elegantly decorated ceilings, the domical ceiling of the open mantapa, the sculptures of Dwarapalakas (door keepers) in the closed mantapa (also called navaranga), the wall panel images numbering a hundred and twenty (on pilasters between the aedicules–miniature decorative towers) carved on the outer walls are noteworthy, states Foekema.

For example, near the Sukhanasi is a stuccoed figure of seated Nandi made of bricks – not the material of choice for the entire temple.

The two sanctums have Shiva linga, while the hall is supported on 24 red stone pillars with 21 ceiling niches, all with lotus.