The temple walls contain some of the most preserved examples of Mysore school of mural paintings from the late 18th century.
The frescoes cover approximately 200 square meters of wall surface area within the temple interior.
The structure was commissioned by Nallappa, a commander in the court of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Natural materials used in the murals include lamp black, yellow ochre, and red earth, applied over a lime plaster base.
The mural depictions include detailed portrayals of contemporary court life, including soldiers and royalty of the Mysore Kingdom.
The temple layout is designed as a Dravidian structure with a central sanctum, an inner mantapa, and a large front hall.
Many of the paintings were restored in the late 20th century to prevent the degradation of the delicate pigments.
Shri Seebi Narasimha Swami Temple is a historic 18th-century temple in the Tumakuru district, celebrated for its extensive collection of Mysore-style wall paintings. Originally built by the merchant brothers Kuntoji Lakshminarasappa and Ramappa, the temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. The interior walls feature elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Dashavatara, executed using natural mineral pigments. The architecture reflects the transition between late Vijayanagara and post-Vijayanagara styles, characterized by ornate stucco figures on the gopuram. The temple is situated in the village of Seebi, which was historically known as Seebinayakanahalli. These murals remain one of the few surviving examples of secular and mythological painting from this period in Karnataka. The main deity, Narasimha, is housed in the sanctum, which is flanked by shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. The temple complex is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.
The central mantapa ceiling and the expansive side walls featuring the Ramayana battle scenes.
Bring a high-quality flashlight to illuminate the dim corners of the mural-covered walls.
Respect the ASI signage as certain sections of the mural walls are restricted to prevent damage from touch.
Visit during the annual Brahmarathotsava festival if you prefer a crowded, high-energy cultural experience.
Avoid touching the painted walls, as oils from human skin accelerate the decay of the 18th-century pigments.
Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum and inner halls; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees.
