India has always been in the limelight because of its citizens' deep-rooted faith in religion and spirituality. This inclination of the people is evident in the various temples built in ancient times and also in the recent past. While many other ancient structures such as forts, palaces, etc. have been abandoned, the ancient temples are still in use. Chennakeshava temple in the state of Karnataka is one such ancient temple that has always been a centre of religious and spiritual endeavors of the devotees.
Location
The Chennakeshava Temple is located on the banks of the Yagachi River in the town of Belur.
History
This historic temple was built during the reign of Vishnuvardhana, an emperor of the Hoysala dynasty, in the early years of the 12th century. Several reasons are given for the construction of this temple. One group of experts believes that the temple symbolizes Vishnuvardhana's success as an emperor, while another group of scholars says that this temple symbolizes Vishnuvardhana's victory over the Chola kingdom in the south.
Another theory about the construction of this temple cites Vishnuvardhana's conversion from a Jain to a Vaishnav as the reason. The city of Belur, where the temple is located, served as the capital of the Hoysala dynasty.
The experts have found a total of 118 inscriptions on the temple premises. It is believed that the design and appearance of the temple are the results of the hard work of several craftsmen and architects.
The architectural style of the temple is known as the Karnata Dravida style.
Structure
Above
the temple entrance is a superstructure, also known as Rayagopura,
which was added to the temple in the 14th century. Inside the temple
complex, the Chennakeshava temple is located in the centre, while the
cap Chennigaraya temple is on its right and the Sowmyanayaki temple and
Ranganayaki temple are on its left. On this side of the temple, two
large pillars can be seen. One of these pillars faces the Chennakeshava
Temple and is known as Garuda Stambh (Eagle Pillar), built in the 14th
century. The other pillar, Deep Stambha (Lamp Pillar), was built in the
13th century.
The temple is famous for its numerous ancient
sculptures and pillars. A prominent pillar of the temple is the
Narasimha pillar. This column used to be supported by ball bearings that
gave it mobility. A group of four pillars is artistically carved to
represent celestial maidens.
The outer walls of the temple are decorated with 650 elephant friezes, above which are similar representations of horses and lions, symbolizing speed and courage. At the top of all these motifs are sculptures depicting events from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
On either side of the Mandapa entrance is an effigy of Sala, who is considered the founder of the dynasty. Other important sculptures of the temple are those of Narasimha, Gajasurasamhara, Garuda, Kali, Ravana, Durga, Varaha, etc.
The temple shrine is located at the back of the temple. The shrine consists of five vertical sections. These vertical sections consist of a two-story semicircular niche and two pillars on each side. The niche of each shrine is decorated with several sculptures. There are sixty sculptures in total.
The main shrine of the temple features an image of Kesava (an avatar of Lord Vishnu). This image rises from its pedestal to a height of about six feet. At the entrance to this shrine are sculptures of guardians.
Eating, Drinking, Gathering
The Hassan district, where the town of Belur and the Chennakeshava temple is located, is famous for its regional cuisine and philtre coffee, a South Indian specialty. Go to one of the restaurants to enjoy the flavors of South India.
There are several hotels and lodges near the temple complex that offer good rooms at a reasonable price.
Several vendors outside the temple complex sell books, souvenirs, statues, and other items to temple visitors.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open from 07:30 to 17:30 all year round. The sanctum of the temple remains closed from 10:00 to 11:00, 13:00 to 15:00, and 17:00 to 17:30.
How to reach the temple
The nearest airport to Belur is Mangalore, at a distance of about 154 kilometers.
The city of Belur is well connected to other major cities in the state by government and private buses. Visitors can also opt for the KSTDC Heritage Tour, which includes the Chennakeshava Temple on the itinerary.
Regular passenger trains to Hassan run from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Hubli.
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