Not far from Halebidu — the capital city of the Hoysalas — is a symbol of the dynasty’s victory over the Cholas in the battle of Talakkad in 1116AD. This mark of victory seems to have turned out to be quite a sculptural extravaganza called the Chennakesava temple and it still stands tall in Belur, in Hassan District.
What a big celebration it must have been, if Hoysala ruler — King Vishnuvardhana had to commission a structure that needed a hundred years for its making. It is said that even that one-full century was not enough to complete this architectural and sculptural wonder.
To me, the Chennakesava Temple looked like a big grand sculptural banquet. What else would you call a stone structure that stood on a star-shaped base, and was decked with sculptured walls, pillars with soapstone filigree and dancing figures on them, friezes, and ornamental ceilings?
The Chennakesava temple is a grand display of Hoysala art and architecture and was even more fascinating than I thought it would be. The best thing we did was to take the services of a local guide who took us through the features and filled us in with anecdotes from the history of the Hoysalas.
Our guide Sathyanarayan began with pointing out that this temple dedicated to ‘handsome Vishnu’ or Chenna Kesava, brings together the Tamilnadu-style-gopuram, a north Indian type temple and also an example of the Karnataka’s temple architecture.
The Hoysalas are said to have ruled a vast area of land in present-day-Karnataka and parts of its current neighbouring states from 1026 – 1343 AD. And while they flourished and expanded their empire, they are said to have patronised a lot of art and architecture. Hoysala temples seem to have been a strong, bold mark of their heritage, and the Chennakesava Temple in Belur seems to be one of the most brilliant achievements as far as their temple architecture is concerned.
The Hoysala style of architecture features a star shaped base for the temples to stand on, finely ornate pillars, sculpted ceilings and bracket figures to name a few elements.
The details on the sculpted figures are also a telling sign of Hoysala architecture. To know more about the features of Hoysala temple architecture, click HERE
Here are a few pictures of some of the sculpted attractions of the famous Chennakesava temple, from my visit to the Hoysala temple early this year:
These figures are some of the biggest attractions at the Chennakesava Temple. Many of them are in dance poses, and the main figure coupled with the smaller figurines often put together a grand scene. More about this in another post, soon.
Our guide explained that the horses symbolised ‘Speed,’ the lions, ‘Bravery’ and the elephants, ‘Strength.’ Put together, this was the foundation on which the Hoysala dynasty thrived.
The temple complex in which the Chennakesava temple stands also has a Bhoodevi temple ( a temple for the earth goddess) and a smaller Veera Narayana temple.
Other things not to be missed here are the temple pond, the temple car (Chariot) and the gravity pillar also in the same complex.
Chennakesava Temple complex, Belur.
If you like this post, you may also like: Hoysaleswara temple| A signature of the Hoysala Dynasty
Beautiful bracket belles of Belur
Also vist:
Lepakshi| Of Pillars of Chiselled Art, Murals and Legends
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Exquisite and intricate art work. Hoysala temples are a delight to watch. Nice captures, Nambiare!
Have a fabulous 2016!
That, they are. Another time I was tipsy from seeing some sculptures! 😀
What work!!
Thank you so much, Nomad.
Happy New 2016 to you too. 🙂
you will not believe this I was in this temple a few months back on way to Chikamagalur and I had no idea of its significance and just went inside with a cellphone…By the time I came back to get my camera the driver has gone for lunch..so here I was in one of the most exquisite Hoysala temple with just a cell phone… You have clicked some really good pictures, specially the ones inside as the light is really poor inside the temple…. Happy new year
Really? During the car shoot?
I can quite imagine what it felt like to be in the midst of all these sculptures and not have your DSLR with you. But then, I'm sure you got some great cellphone shots. 🙂
And I'm also sure there'll be a 'next time.' 🙂
Thank you so much, Prasad. 🙂
Wowo such beautiful pic and I think art work in the gone era was much more intricate then now
Wishing you and family and everyone around you a very happy new year .. may all that you dream come true .. have a fantabulous new year ..
Bikram's
Oh yeah, the artwork on stone was simply amazing. So much talent, so much skill and so much hard work went into all of this, I'm sure.
Thank you so much for the wishes, Bikram.
Here's wishing you a very awesome 2016. 🙂
Amazing pics.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
Thanks a ton, Rupam.
Happy New Year to you too. 🙂
Lovely photos! Hoysala architecture is unique with its special carvings like ornamentation on idols, series of panels and flowers of ceiling. Its really feast to eyes. Thanks for sharing .
Ranjana, Happy New year!!!
Thank you so much, dear Ranjana.
Yeah, it is so unique. The work on the jewellery and the scenes on the pillars — along with bracket figures is so, so awe inspiring.
Thank YOU for coming by. 🙂
Beautiful and intricate marvels of the past. I wonder how many lives must have been squandered to leave this stamp on time? I like how you keep toggling us between California and the Indian South. Thanks for the continued stream of travelogues.
I was so enthralled with this temple. I was there to see the sculptures and it turned out be way beyond what I expected to see. Having a guide helped too. Oh yes, a lot of manpower has gone into it. And the perfection is awe-inspiring.
Thank you so much, USP. That just goes to show how much of backlog I've got as far as blogging is concerned. :-o. 🙂
It's such a pleasure. Thank you for all your support. 🙂
Another of your great post on a gem!i have been there and can say that your pictures do justice to the intricate beauty of the temple .. Though I have seen many such magnificent architectural wonders Dee, I was astounded to see this one . It's vastness and grandeur was serene but the complex workmanship was a unnerving, forcing me to spare a thought about those craftsmen who breathed life in stones , making them divine.Intimidating !
A true gem it is.
By the end of the day, I was so tipsy from the sight of all that craftsmanship. Mind-blowing work by human hands, I say! 🙂
Thank you so much, dear Kokila.
wowow that is a beautiful place … thank you so much for sharing …
Bikram's
Isn't it?
You're so welcome.
Thank you for visiting this post, Bikram.
Are you having a happy new year.
That was a gorgeous post and thanks for reviving my memories of these lovely places! Your narrative is as fascinating as the pictures, Divya:)
That was one of a kind of a temple and the work that has gone into making it.
Thank you, Mr. Bhatia. 🙂
Amazing n stunning are the two words for this temple/monument!!
I am mesmerised by hoysala architecture …recently on my work trip in karnataka, i came across two 'small' temples and my first thoughts on visiting them was-if these small structures are so beautiful..then how magnificient bigger ones would be!!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com
I swear.
I think it is a good thing that you visited the smaller ones before you went and saw this very grand temple.
How have you been, Sush?
Been busy like hell managing a 20 month old, work and travel… but am loving all if it.. just wish i get some hours of extra sleep!!
Been busy like hell managing a 20 month old, work and travel… but am loving all if it.. just wish i get some hours of extra sleep!!
Tell me about it. I have a 24 month old. Terrible Twos are here. ;D
I totally get what you mean, Sush.
Take care.
I would say you are lucky to have witnessed this historical site. I especially loved this post because of the coverage of the temple with a handful of pics.
Thank you for that!
Lucky? Not really.
It is just making use of opportunities, I guess. 😉
We spent some time in Bangalore last year and since it was not too far away from there, we used a weekend to go see Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid.
You are welcome, Alok.
Thank you for coming by. 🙂
I have been there twice yet not satiated completely. I have to plan again. You have the most luring pics for a tourist!
I'm not surprised. I'd like to visit again, too.
haha! I'm so flattered. Thank you so, so much, Indrani.
Superb post Dee… the temple is so fascinating… the Vishnu idol is beautiful… 🙂
Thanks for sharing dearie… hugs!!
The work on those walls and pillars IS so fascinating.
Thank you for swinging by.
Have a good week, Ok. 🙂
It's quite an architectural marvel that looks so aesthetically pleasing. A treat to eyes and a traveler's paradise indeed. 🙂
You said it — it IS a marvel.
Oh yeah! And a big beautiful treat.
Thank you for visiting, dear Maitreni. 🙂
Belur is truly a heaven for art lovers.. thanks for sharing this amazing post..
Yeah, the art on the walls and pillars exceeded my expectations, really.
Thank YOU, Ranjani. 🙂
Such a brilliant place! I am heading soon to this place for sure. Its hard to even think having 600 elephants with none of them being alike. What an art!
Brilliant it is.
And to think that the canvas was stone and all things that could have gone when they were filling it up with art! Amazing!
Go get awed, Arun! Have a great trip.
That architecture is fabulous. You have captured the beauty of the place so well D. Wonderful post and thank you for sharing about the history. I haven't seen that part of Karnataka so need to get on some road trips. 🙂
It is, Parul.
This temple is super-saturated with beautiful sculpture. It's an easy trip from Bangalore. Go see it. You'll be amazed when you see it in person.
Thank you for coming by, Parul. 🙂
what a beautiful place !! Pictures are saying a lot of words !!
It is, Yogi.
And oh gosh! I still haven't sent you the pic I promised. Lemme do that right away.
Any number of time I visit this place, this place never fails to amaze me. Lovely pictures.
http://cutesmilealways.blogspot.in/
I know what you mean. 🙂
Welcome here, Sims. 🙂
Loved the detailed account on Channakesava temple with some really amazing captures. A great post indeed, Divya. 🙂
It's a GREAT place, Ravish.
I was overwhelmed by the art on the temple's walls and pillars. There's so much to see.
Amazing sculpture and a beautiful account thank you!!
Thanks a whole bunch, Magiceye. 🙂
Amazing pictures, dear. Enjoyed reading the post 🙂
…because the place was amazing. 😉
Thank YOU, dear Purba. 🙂
That Hoysala Emblem is the coolest thing I saw today!…
Somehow I just could not cover these places when I was living in Bangalore…
Oh yeah?
Wait till you see the bracket figures here. So beautifully done.
When you visit the big city, may be you could drive to Belur. Knowing you appreciate places with a lot of history, you are going to love this place, J. 🙂
Lovely photos! Hoysala architecture is unique and so is its carvings.
Not been there. So much to see & learn and only one life!
It is.
Visiting Belur and Halebidu meant a lot of learning about the Hoysalas, their love for art and the perfection of their sculptors.
You have to have to see what a wonder this place is, Nisha. 🙂
100 years in the making? In the past they sure had a long term horizon! Such a grand place and such lovely pictures!