This Hindu temple is unusual for it’s shape, a tall building with side flanks that protrude from the central balcony and entrance like steps. Built on a raised platform, it has one main shrine and an large entrance hall with 60 bays. It was built by the Hoysalan Empire in the 12th Century. The Hoysalan had some excellent architects and artisans and as well as the unique design and intricacy of the work, thy also made very detailed records of maintenance and alterations made on it (complete with costings) from it’s completion up until the 18th Century. Chennakeshava is much larger less ornamented than other Hoysalan temples but is still adorned with detailed stone carvings. There are a couple of suggestions why the temple may have been built, most of them involving celebrating a victory at war - though historians differ on which particular battle, implying that this empire wasn’t particularly peaceful. This whole region is an important centre of pilgrimage, especially those who worship Vishnu as the supreme god.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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