Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Sri Chennakeshava Temple faces East direction and built in Hoysala-Chalukyan style of architecture. The sikara is surmounted by a stone Kalasa (finial) around. The door jamb here is again richly carved with an image of Gajalakshmi on its lintel. Stone inscription record the construction of the temple as 1163 A.D., this temple was constructed with Soap stone.

Mandapams & Pillars : The navaranga of 9 ankanas has 4 bell shaped pillars. The entrance to the temple is through an open pillared hall or porch (mukhamantapa) followed by a closed hall (mantapa or navaranga). The porch consists of an awning supported by half pillars and parapets on either side. The decor on the parapet Walls, Ceiling, lintel over the entrance and the pillars is noteworthy. The closed hall connects to the sanctum via a vestibule (called "sukhanasi").

Temple Walls : The inner walls of the shrine is square and plain where as the outer walls (also square) have numerous recesses and projections that is used for decorative relief which includes Kirtimukha, Aedicula (miniature decorative towers), deities in relief and half pilasters. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with pilasters, stambhas and diamond shaped flowers. The Vishnu images on the walls are 15 feet high. The tower rises in 3 tiers of ornamented turrets. There are many niches which are beautified with 12 forms of Vishnu on the Southern side and the 12 remaining forms on the Northern side, attended by female attendants on either side. On the west there are the sculptural works of Dharani-Varaha. Over the head of the temple there is an attractive shikara.

Read more about the history of Hoysala Dynasty in our Blog - Architecture Marvels of Hoysala Empire