Architecture of Chennakesava Temple
Architecture of Chennakesava Temple is the perfect illustration of the Hoysala architecture. The temple is one of its last offerings of the Hoysala Kingdom to the world.
|
|
Architecture of Chennakesava Temple stands as one of the best examples of the exquisite Hoysala architecture and also possibly one of its last contributions to the world. The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. The Chennakesava Temple is one of the 1500 temples built by the Hoysala Empire kings in different parts of their kingdom, and is said to be the climax development in Hoysala temple style and yet is unique in many other ways.
Structure of Chennakesava Temple
Chennakesava Temple stands on a raised platform in the centre of a spacious enclosure having 64 cells. This three celled structure known as ‘Trikutachala’ consists of three Garbhagrihas, three Antaralas and a Navarang. It has a Mahadwara standing on the east.
The temple was originally dedicated to the worship of three forms of Lord Krishna — Venugopala, Janardhana and Kesava. The images of Venugopala, Kesava and Janardhana are installed in the cells which are surmounted by elegantly carved Shikharas. The interior of the shrine with ornately carved panels, pillars, ceiling, doorways and bracket figures are considered to be even more attractive compared to the outer walls.
The basement of the outer wall is highly ornamented with friezes of elephants, scrolls, epic and puranic scenes, small images with intervening turrets and columns with figured in between number of Gods and Goddess and their attendants adorn the walls. The friezes on the south side of the temple depict scenes from Ramayana, the rear side has the stories of Lord Krishna and the northern side has the tales of Mahabharata. The lathe turned pillars and delicately carved 16 different types of ceilings are the characteristic feature of the Hoyasala Art. The beautifully carved Hoysala emblem, depicting a man fighting a tiger at the three gateways of the temple is noteworthy.
Present Condition of Chennakesava Temple
A classic example of the famous Hoysala architecture, and is one of the three temples of the kind to be nominated in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Unfortunately, this temple is no longer used as a place of worship, the main idol of Kesava is missing and the idols of Venugopala and Janardhana are damaged. However, the beauty of the temple still charms thousands of visitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Sculpture
|
|
|
• | Chalukya Sculptures Chalukya sculptures evolved a new idiom for the construction of several temples and are renowned for their exquisite architectural marvels.
| | • | South Indian Sculptures Types of South Indian Sculptures are categorized with the social and religious life of Hindus during the rule of Pallavas, Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
| | • | Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho is composed of finely grained stone; this temple pragmatically endorses the eroticism. Khajuraho Temple is located in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
| | • | Sculpture of Konark Temple The temple is designed to achieve the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels of the Sun God. The temple of the Sun at Konark is magnificent in its construction and if often referred to as the “Black Pagoda”.
| | • | Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India The Saptamatrika is a South Indian sculpture that is said to contain energies of the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India dates back to 3rd century B.C. In most of the ancient temples of South India, the sculptures of the Saptamatrikas are found.
| | |
|
|
|
|