Thursday, February 21, 2013

Chennakesava Temple, Belur

The Chennakesava Temple at Belur is the main shrine in the temple complex. I have been to this temple several times and still there is so much to discover new here every time I visit this place.



This temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in 1117 AD. Within the complex, this temple is at the center  facing east, and is flanked by other sub-shrines in the sides. The pillar facing the main temple, the Garuda sthambha was erected in the Vijayanagar period while the pillar on the right, the Deepa sthambha dates from the Hoysala period. 



The temple is built on a platform using soapstone i.e., five feet high, which runs around the temple closely following its contour. The sanctum has beautifully designed star shape, while the hall is like a cross. This plan gives temple tastefully broken font-ages  The outer walls of the navaranga consisting of basement, railing and pierced screens are ornamented with numerous freezes of sculptures.



Each of the basement friezes has its own artistic merit. The lowest contains hundreds of elephants on the march in various moods and postures. There are ornamental scroll bands running around the temple. There are bands of gods, men and animals in various poses; dancers, hunters, musicians and others are carved on a miniature scale.



The temple has three entrances and their doorways have beautifully crafted with various sculptures and are guarded by decorated sculptures called dvarapalaka on either side. 



There are various sculptures all around the temple of various sizes and shapes. The temple is known for the temple plan and exceptional craftsmanship. We will see more of this temple in other post as one post will not do the justice.

34 comments:

R Niranjan Das said...

This is a beautiful temple with exquisite architecture. Lovely post.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/02/colours-of-maha-kumbh-mela.html

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Fantastic architect...

A Homemaker's Utopia said...

We visited this temple a couple of years back.Wonderful architecture..:-)

RIZALENIO said...

Amazing place as always. Happy weekend!

Jeevan said...

I wish checking this temple complex at least once. Inspiring post and photos narrating the details.

Lowell said...

Incredibly ornate and beautiful. And it's another huge complex. I can certainly understand why you'd need to come back several times to see it all!

Jim said...

You always show us some amazing architecture.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Sylvia K said...

Magnificent temple and beautiful, clear, blue skies!! Doesn't get any better, Rajesh! Wonderful captures for the day! Have a great weekend!

LifeRamblings said...

beautiful temple. the carvings are exquisite.

Al said...

Nice shots - these buildings have a palpable sense of history about them.

Indrani said...

A great place to visit and revisit.

Meghana Hassan said...

Nice pics...I have been there many a times too..few of my pics, here http://meghanahassan.blogspot.in/2013/02/sculptures-of-heritage-india-weekend-in.html

Anonymous said...

Those friezes are amazing!

Leovi said...

Yes, delicious photos of this great temple, great artwork.

Irene said...

Awesome! Great shots of this beautiful temple!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful Temple, Rajesh! Your photos are lovely!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful carving all round.

Anonymous said...

Great shots of that wonderful old temple.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.

TexWisGirl said...

just amazing details.

Maude Lynn said...

What an incredible place!

George said...

This is a marvelous temple. The design is unique, and the carvings are absolutely beautiful.

SandyCarlson said...

Impressive, yet again!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I continue to marvel at all the wonderful details in the temples you share with us. Exquisite workmanship!

Shimmering Shadows & Haiku

Tina´s PicStory said...

great shots! :)

Chubby Chieque said...

Always awesome shots!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful captures.

LV said...

Thank you for this grand tour of a place I will never see.

eden said...

Impressive carvings.

Vane M. said...

Linda arquitetura...imagino quanto tempo foi preciso para delinear suas formas. UM abraço!

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of ancient temple.

Karen said...

Amazing detail.

Unknown said...

Nice details :) Thanks for sharing this :)

hindustanisakhisaheli said...

wow lovely captures!!

Anonymous said...

awesome pics!!