Anekere is a small village belonging to Channarayapatna Taluk of Hassan District. It is home to one of the beautiful temples built by the Hoysalas and dedicated to 'Lord Chennakeshava (Vishnu)'. The two distinct features of this temple are the Temple Compound Wall and the Khalasa on the Temple Shikara. The Khalasa here is supposedly the largest one found in the state.
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| The Big Khalasa |
The temple is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture, though smaller in size when compared to the other Hoysala temples. On keenly observing, we found an interesting feature on its Navaranga Ceiling wherein, its central portion is carved in a way that it resembles a Conch (Shanka). The entrance has a beautiful porch.
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| Navaranga Ceiling |
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| Ceiling 1 |
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| Ceiling 2 |
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| Outer Porch Ceiling |
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| The Grand Entrance and the Front Porch |
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| Lord Chennakeshava |
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| Intricate Dwarapalakas |
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| Lion Face Carving |
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| Garbagriha Door Frame |
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| Temple Entrance Door Frame |
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| Pillar Carving |
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| Antique Tulasi Pot |
It is surprising that this wonderful temple is not yet under the purview of the ASI. The temple has been renovated with the help of Shri Dramasthala Manjunatha Trust. As the priest was unavailable during our visit, the only information we got of the temple from the locals was that it was built by the Hoysalas.
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| Chennakeshava Temple |
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| Shikara |
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| Another View of the Temple |
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| Ancient Temple Compound Wall |
Such a gorgeous temple! And your photos are superb as always! And, as always, thank you not only for the photos, but for the fascinating history! I do love learning more about your beautiful country! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
बहुत ही अच्छी जगह है जहाँ पर हमारी भूतकाल की विरासत अच्छी तरह सुरक्षित है।
ReplyDeleteit is indeed marvelous!!
ReplyDeletewnderful Dhiraj, where do you get info on these temples and places?
ReplyDeletevery nice traditional temples, even in August i have been to Hassan and dharamsthala..
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures of the temple.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful place, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery nice Temple!! I thought I had seen enough Hoysala Temples but still there is lot to cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such beautiful places!!
Even the kalasa atop the main sanctum is ade of stone. Nice temple and Vishnu's idol also attractive.
ReplyDeletenice shots and a lovely temple.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
What an amazing and beautiful temple. I think this may be the most beautiful of all your posts. I love your photography, especially the ceiling shaped like a conch. These are all so intricate!
ReplyDeleteLooks grand and exquisite! Loved the pics, the
ReplyDeletedetails of the fine architecture... You really bring these hidden gems out!
looks majestic... though, the extra fitting for light, affects the structure to a certain extent...
ReplyDeletephotographs r amazing and they capture the minute details excellently...
Gorgeous temple and architecture!
ReplyDeleteGood one. Looks similar to Hullekere temple. The Dharmasthala Dharmotthana Trust has done a good job. It has renovated many temples in Hassan dist. Thanks to them and the caring locals (only at some places) we can still see these marvelous structures. Kalasa shot is good.
ReplyDeleteRajesh.
Look at those ceilings! Great carvings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carvings on the temple.
ReplyDeletenice place
ReplyDeleteso near to blore but havent visited yet
Amazing pics. Loved the Khalasa on the Temple top. It is indeed unique. The Navaranga & other ceilings with 'Sanku' or conch at the center are awesome. Architectural wonders.Thanx for the virtual tour of the little known but historically significant Chennakesava Temple.
ReplyDeleteA lesser known but exquisite temple of Karnataka...thanks for prolific write up...
ReplyDelete