Hoysala
Empire was a prominent Southern Indian
Kannadiga empire that ruled most of the modern-day state of Karnataka between
the 10th and 14th centuries. The capital of the Hoysalas was
initially located at Belur but was later moved to Halebidu. In the 12th century,
they expanded to areas of
present-day Karnataka and the fertile areas north of the Kaveri River delta in
present-day Tamil Nadu. By the 13th century, they governed most of present-day
Karnataka, minor parts of Tamil Nadu and parts of western Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana in Deccan India. The Hoysala era was an important period in the
development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. The empire is
remembered today primarily for its temple architecture. Over a hundred
surviving temples are scattered across Karnataka.
Well known temples "which exhibit an amazing display of sculptural exuberance" include the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura. The Hoysala rulers also patronised the fine arts, encouraging literature to flourish in Kannada and Sanskrit. Their style of architecture is appreciated by all. Temples built prior to Hoysala independence in the mid-12th century reflect significant Western Chalukya influences, while later temples retain some features salient to Chalukyan art but have additional inventive decoration and ornamentation, features unique to Hoysala artisans.
The
Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as Keshava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th
century Hindu temple in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in
1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur also called Velapura, an
early Hoysala Empire capital. The temple was built over three generations and
took 103 years to finish. Sadly, like many other great temples, this
temple too was repeatedly damaged and
plundered by marauding invaders during
wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history. It is 35 km from Hassan
city and about 200 km from Bengaluru.
Chennakesava (lit, "handsome Kesava") is a form of Sriman Narayana. It is reverentially described in medieval Hindu texts, and remains an important pilgrimage site in Vaishnavism. The temple is remarkable for its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes as well its iconography, inscriptions and history. The temple artwork depicts scenes of life in the 12th century, dancers and musicians, as well as a pictorial narration of our Ithihasa puranas - Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas through numerous friezes. The Chennakeshava temple is a testimony to the artistic, cultural and theological perspectives in 12th century South India and the Hoysala Empire rule.
Very rare Hoysala
Architect with beautifully carved Channakeshava idol found while sand mining
near Halebelur village of Sakleshpur taluk on Thursday. The 4.5ft black stone
idol belonging to the Hoysala Dynasty is almost similar to Lord Channakeshava
at Belur temple. The idol has minor
damages at the right side.
Interestingly the
driver of the earth moving machine was anxious and took to the heels
immediately after he saw the Idol. The
matter spread like a wildfire among villagers who rushed to the spot and
removed the same safely. Later they
brought it and installed it in front of the temple in the village. The people
have started offering pooja for the idol.
Tahsildar HB
Jayaraj, PSI Basavaraj, Halebelur GP president Kumar have visited the spot and
gathered further details in this regard. Sidegowda a village head opined that
Channakeshava Temple also constructed in Halebelur during Hoysala dynasty. Ancient Channakeshava idol was installed
inside the temple. The sculptures might have rejected the newly found idol as
it desecrated while carving he added. Expressing happiness the villagers also
urged the officials of the Archeology department to give permission to keep the
idol inside the temple. The villagers
also urged the officials of the Archeological department to further research
and extract the right reason for buring the idol on the banks of Hemavathi
River.
Jairaj Tahsildar
Sakleshpur said that the newly found Channakeshava idol is belonging to the
Hoysala dynasty as it has Hoysala architecture and carving. The taluk authority
has submitted the detail report to the deputy commissioner R Girish who will
take a decision in this regard he added
With regards – S.
Sampathkumar
28.3.2021
Photos from twitter
pages of : Vertigo_Warrior - @VertigoWarrior
and Raghu - @IndiaTales7
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