Chennakeshava Temple

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.

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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