BELUR CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE

The Keshava temple was commissioned by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in 1117. Some archaeologists suggest that the king converted from Jainism to Hinduism, while others believe it was built 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 the first of its kind. The influence of the Chalukya style is still perceptible, and despite the incredible meticulousness of the carved details, the ornamentation is less abundant than on other Hoysala temples.

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

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

Pillars. The temple's structure is supported by 48 pillars, each carved and turned differently. They constitute the temple's originality and are much admired by visitors. The most beautiful are the four central pillars, which support a ceiling that is also magnificently ornamented. Each of these pillars is surmounted by an adorable madanika (celestial virgin). And don't miss the Narasimha pillar, which used to be able to turn on itself. It was supported by stone balls, enabling it to rotate. The circular platform in front of the shrine depicts the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana. She is also said to have inspired artists to depict the madanika.

Exterior. The superimposed friezes starting from the base of the temple are typical of Hoysala architecture. There are 5 of them, the first 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 features lions symbolizing courage. A notch higher, horses symbolize speed. The upper frieze, featuring scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, is separated from the horse frieze by a row of floral motifs, symbolizing beauty. The madanika adorning the supporting stones projecting from the temple walls are serene, playful and loving, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural perfection. One beauty is chatting with her favorite parrot, whose tail resembles that of a peacock; another is wringing water from her hair, and the drops can be seen beading at the end of her long locks... The delicacy and finesse with which the smallest details are treated is truly incredible.