Context: The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas in Karnataka, has been declared as 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS).
Which is the 42th UNESCO heritage site in India?
The Chennakeshava Temple, along with the Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu and the Keshava Temple in Somanathapur, is an important historical and architectural complex in Karnataka, India.
Which is the 42th UNESCO heritage site in India?
- Commissioned by: The Chennakeshava Temple, also known as the Vijayanarayana Temple, was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. It is located in the Belur region of Hassan District, Karnataka, and is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River.
- Deity: The temple is an ekakuta (one-shrine) structure, and the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) houses a portrait of Lord Krishna. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known as Chennakesava, where “Chenna” means beautiful and “Keshava” refers to Vishnu.
- Living Temple: The Chennakeshava Temple is considered a living temple, which means it is actively used for worship.
Key Features:
- Building Material: The temple is constructed with chloritic schist or soapstone, which is also used in the other two temples in the complex.
- Platform: It stands on a raised platform called a Jagati (adhisthana).
- Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The sanctum sanctorum is stellar in shape, and its zigzag walls create an effect where the figures of the 24 forms of Vishnu appear different at various times of the day due to the play of light.
- Sculpture: The exterior of the Chennakeshava Temple is adorned with intricate sculptures that depict scenes from daily life, music, dance, narratives from the life of Vishnu and his incarnations, as well as episodes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple’s sculptures also include representations of Shiva, as well as elements from Jainism and Buddhism.
These Hoysala temples, including the Chennakeshava Temple, are significant examples of the Hoysala architectural style, known for its exquisite and detailed carvings. The temples represent an important part of India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Hoysaleshwara Temple
The Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu and the Keshava Temple in Somanathapura are two more remarkable examples of Hoysala architecture in Karnataka
Hoysaleshwara Temple (Halebid Temple):
- Commissioned: The Hoysaleshwara Temple was commissioned in 1121 CE, with King Vishnuvardhana playing a significant role in its construction. It is located in Halebidu, Hassan, Karnataka, on the banks of the Dwarasamudra lake.
- Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the God of Destruction.
Key Features:
- Mandapa: The temple has a double building structure with a large hall for the mandapa, which was designed to facilitate music and dance performances.
- Vimana/Shikhara (temple towers): Unlike many traditional Indian temples, the Hoysaleshwara Temple is unique in that it lacks towering vimanas or shikharas.
- Sculptures: The temple is famous for its intricate sculptures, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana. It contains over 240 images, making it one of the most sculpture-rich temples in India. These sculptures also incorporate themes from Vaishnavism and Shaktism, in addition to images from Jainism.
Keshava Temple (Somanathapura):
- Commissioned: The Keshava Temple was commissioned by Somanatha Dandanayaka during the reign of King Narasimha III in 1268 CE. It is located in Somanathapura, near Mysuru, Karnataka, on the banks of the River Kaveri.
- Deity: The Keshava Temple is a Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms: Janardhana, Keshava, and Venugopala.
Key Features:
- Stellar Plan: The temple has three shrines and vimanas (towering structures) over each of the three sanctums. The tallest structure is over the main shrine.
- Prakaara: The temple is enclosed by a multi-celled prakara.
- Sculptures: The temple’s sculptures include depictions of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Hoysala Architecture Style:
- Hoysala temples follow a hybrid or Vesara temple style that combines elements of both the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture.
- They show a strong influence of the “Bhumija” style, which is a variety of North Indian shikhara.
- Hoysala architecture also features elements from the “Nagara” traditions of northern and western India and the Karnata Dravida tradition of the Kalyani Chalukyan territories.
The Hoysala temples are renowned for their intricate carvings, unique architectural features, and rich cultural and historical significance. They continue to be important landmarks in Indian temple architecture.
The key features of Hoysala temple architecture, as mentioned, reflect the unique and intricate characteristics of this style. Here’s a summary of these features:
1. Stellate Plan:
- Hoysala temples are built on a raised platform (adhisthana) and typically have a stellate plan, resembling a star.
- Several shrines are arranged around a central pillared hall.
2. Building Material:
- Soapstone is commonly used as the construction material for Hoysala temples. It is a soft and amenable material for intricate carving.
3. Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum):
- The garbha griha houses a centrally placed murti (enshrined icon) on a pitha (pedestal).
4. Mandapas (Halls):
- Hoysala temples have both open and closed mandapas (halls).
- Circular pillars in the mandapas are a distinctive feature, and each pillar often features four sculpted figures on the top brackets.
- Ceilings are ornate, adorned with mythological figures and floral designs.
5. Gopuram (Entrance):
- Lofty gopurams, or entrance towers, are constructed at the entrance of the temple complex.
6. Sculpture:
- Salabhanjika, a common form of sculpture, often decorates Hoysala temples. These sculptures typically depict women in various poses.
7. Vimana (Inner Sanctum Structure):
- The vimana, which is the structure over the garbhagriha or inner sanctum, is typically simple on the inside but lavishly decorated on the outside.
8. Other Features:
- Ceilings of Hoysala temples often feature corbelled domes, adding to the architectural beauty.
- On the uppermost part of the temple tower, you can find a vase-shaped water pot, a decorative element.
These distinctive features, combined with intricate carvings and attention to detail, make Hoysala temple architecture a significant and celebrated style in Indian temple construction. These temples are not only places of worship but also serve as remarkable examples of architectural and artistic excellence.
