Chennakesava temple, Belur. Chenna , in Kannada , means beautiful and Keshwara means Vishnu. Built by Hoysala king himself to celebrate an important military victory in 1117 AD, even today it is a structure of beauty in black! Yes, the entire temple is built of black granite! (Although this temple is popularly called as Chennakesava temple, the sign board outside the temple calls it Keshwara temple. Does the Archeological society of India not want to acknowledge the beauty of Vishnu inside?)
The warrior, killing a horned lion with his sword, is the emblem of the Hoysala dynasty, symbolizing their courage and strength.
The outside walls of the main temple are lavishly decorated by various sculptures. There is hardly any space which is not occupied by a sculpture. Even the ceiling inside the temple is fully sculptured.
A statue of Mohini, a female incarnation of Vishnu.
This temple has many pillars but no two pillars look alike. Each pillar is carved in a different style and it is a marvel to see so many pillars under one roof!
1 comment:
such intricate work. Beautiful pics.
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