During the structural restoration of a lesser-known Hoysala-style temple in the Chikkamagaluru district, artisans discovered an unprecedented decorative element. A massive stone lintel above the entrance was found to have a core of fossilized ivory, used to provide structural reinforcement and a subtle decorative sheen. This is the first recorded instance of ivory being integrated directly into the stone architecture of a Hoysala monument.
The project, funded by a heritage trust, aims to restore the temple's Jagati (raised platform) and the exquisite star-shaped layout. Experts state that the discovery of the ivory core suggests that the temple was commissioned by a high-ranking official or a member of the royal family involved in the maritime trade of the Western Ghats.