CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE
AT
HASSAN
Chennakeshava Temple is
the large temple in Belur and one of the most remarkable monuments from Hoysala
times and region. It was commissioned by the Hoysala king himself to celebrate
an important military victory in 1117 AD. This is exceptional, since nearly all
other Hoysala temples were commissioned by rich officials or rich civilians.
The king obviously wanted
an extraordinary temple because it has been built in an architectural style
foreign to the region. Moreover the monument is exceptionally large and its
decoration very lavish. Many of the decorations were added later in the 12th
century by the grandson and successor of the founder.
The Cennakesava-temple
stands in a compound with several smaller temples and a pond.Beautyful Belur
the Quaint little town set elegantly on the banks of river Yagachi amidst lush
surrounding was earlier Known as Velapuri. It was chosen as the capital of the
Hoysalas, after the sacking and destruction of their capital at Dwarasamudra
(Halebid), by the Delhi Sultans.
The Hoysalas Ruled this
reigon between 44 th and 13 th centuries. They were great patrons of art and
architecture and builts a number of magnificent shrines during their 300 years
regin. The temples and monuments at Belur are indeed the best Hoysala
creations, showcasing their amazing architecture and sculptures in full glory
Belur was highly revered for its magnificient shrines and came to be Known as
“modern vaikunta (heaven) of the earthe”.
The Hoysala temples are
characterized by typical star shaped ground plan and are usually ste on a
platform. They are compact, squat structures and are more human in scale as
compared to other soaring shrines of the south. Ornately carved shrines
indicate the music and dance were highly regarded by the Hoysalas and were used
to express religious fervor.
The temples at Belur are
carved out of soap stone (steatite), quarried from Tumkur, About 200 Kms away.
This stone is extremely easy to chisel, but attains iron-like fitness when
exposed to the atmosphere. To maintain the shine of the temple, the stone is
treated with a chemical wash and then wax polished once in ten years.
Also the hall of the
temple is very large and very ornate. Originally it was anBelur2.jpg (77954
bytes) open hall without full walls, it had a parapet-wall and a roof only
resting on pillars. Its plan is not a square but a stepped diamond, which is
usual in this kind of open halls. The parapet-wall is very high in this case,
more than two meters, and is topped with a slanting seat-back.
This seat-back is
decorated with panels showing mythological scenes. Below it are numerous horizontal
bands with lavish sculptural decorations and depictions, some of them extremely
delicate.
Today this small town
basking in the warmth of its luxurious greenery and glorious past is regarded
as “one of the jewels” of South India architecture. Its temple have become rich
repositories of ancient Hindu culture and a must visit site on every tourist’s
temple itinerary.
By Air
Nearest airport is Bangalore
airport to Belur.
By Train
Hassan railway station is
the closest for Belur.
By Bus
Frequently bus services
available from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan and Mangalore to Belur.
