chennakeshava temple for 14 February 2026

Chennakeshava Temple Latest News

The Prime Minister’s new office complex, Seva Teerth has been built in the Indian architectural tradition inspired by the features of the 12th-century Chennakeshava Temple.

About Chennakeshava Temple

• The Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as the Keshava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century temple in Karnataka.
• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 
• It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE (after a major military victory in 1116 CE over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad), on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, also known as Velapura. 
• The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to complete.
• The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chennakeshava Temple Architecture

• It is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture.
• The Hoysalas used soft soapstone for their structures, as they were found suitable for intricate carvings. 
• Enclosed by a Prakara with a Gopura built in the Vijayanagar style, the temple stands on a platform, or Jagati, and looks like a huge casket.
• The outer walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings, which depict various gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.
• There are more than 80 Madanika sculptures in the temple, dancing, hunting, standing under canopies of trees, and so on. 
• One of the unique features of the Chennakeshava Temple is the stepped well, which is located in the temple complex.

Source: TI