BELUR CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE

The temple was commissioned by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in 1117. Some archaeologists suggest that the king converted from Jainism to Hinduism, while others believe that it was to celebrate his victory over the Chola Empire at the Battle of Talakad (Tamil Nadu) in 1116. The Chennakeshava temple is a major legacy of Hoysala art and is the first of its kind. The influence of the Chalukya style is still perceptible and despite the incredible meticulousness of the sculpted details, the ornaments are less abundant than on other Hoysala temples.

The temple is concealed by a surrounding wall, typical of Hindu architecture in South India. The gopuram over the main entrance facing east is an addition from the Vijayanagar period. The complex, built of chlorite schist, includes several temples. The main one is dedicated to Vishnu (Keshava is one of his avatars) and is placed in the center of the space. On its right, the Kappe Chanigraya temple and further back, a small temple dedicated to Lakshmi; on its left, it is the Ranganayaki temple. Two pillars stand in the courtyard. The one in the center is topped by a Garuda and was added by the Vijayanagar. The second, which serves as an oil lamp, dates from the Hoysala period.

The temple is placed on a jagati, a vast ambulatory platform. Access to the sanctuary is through a mandapa (hall) with sumptuous turned pillars, connected to the central star-shaped sanctuary by a small vestibule. The tower that topped the vimana (sanctuary) has disappeared.

Pillars. The structure of the temple is supported by 48 pillars all carved and turned differently. They constitute the originality of this temple and arouse the admiration of the visitors. The most beautiful are the four central pillars that support a beautifully decorated ceiling. Each of these pillars is surmounted by an adorable madanika (celestial virgin). Don't miss the Narasimha pillar, which used to be able to turn on itself. It was supported by stone balls, allowing the rotation. On the circular platform in front of the shrine is the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana. She would also have inspired the artists for the representation of the madanika.

Exterior. We find the superimposed friezes, which start from the base of the temple, and which are typical of Hoysala architecture. There are five of them, the first one from the bottom representing a row of elephants symbolizing strength and stability. You can have fun counting them. There are 650 of them, all different! The frieze just above is a row of lions symbolizing courage. One notch higher, the horses symbolize speed. The upper frieze with scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana is separated from the horses by a row of floral motifs, symbolizing beauty. The madanika that adorn the projecting support stones of the temple walls are serene, playful and loving, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural perfection. A beauty is talking with her favorite parrot whose tail resembles that of a peacock, another is wringing water from her hair and we see the drops beading at the end of her long locks... The delicacy and finesse with which the smallest details are treated are truly incredible.