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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Chennakeshava Temple, Anekere, Hassan

   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. 
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.
Navaranga Ceiling
Ceiling 1
Ceiling 2
Outer Porch Ceiling
The Grand Entrance and  the Front Porch
Lord Chennakeshava
Intricate Dwarapalakas
Lion Face Carving
Garbagriha Door Frame
Temple Entrance Door Frame
Pillar Carving
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.
Chennakeshava Temple
Shikara
Another View of  the Temple
Ancient Temple Compound Wall 
Directions from Bangalore: Bangalore - NH48 - C R Patna - Left Turn (near Ganapathi temple after medical center )- Anekere (8kms from C R Patna)

20 comments:

  1. 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!

    Sylvia

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  2. बहुत ही अच्छी जगह है जहाँ पर हमारी भूतकाल की विरासत अच्छी तरह सुरक्षित है।

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  3. wnderful Dhiraj, where do you get info on these temples and places?

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  4. very nice traditional temples, even in August i have been to Hassan and dharamsthala..

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  5. Terrific captures of the temple.

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  6. A beautiful place, thanks for sharing!

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  7. Very nice Temple!! I thought I had seen enough Hoysala Temples but still there is lot to cover.

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful places!!

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  8. Even the kalasa atop the main sanctum is ade of stone. Nice temple and Vishnu's idol also attractive.

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  9. nice shots and a lovely temple.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  10. 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!

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  11. Looks grand and exquisite! Loved the pics, the
    details of the fine architecture... You really bring these hidden gems out!

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  12. looks majestic... though, the extra fitting for light, affects the structure to a certain extent...
    photographs r amazing and they capture the minute details excellently...

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  13. Gorgeous temple and architecture!

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  14. Good 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.

    Rajesh.

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  15. Look at those ceilings! Great carvings.

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  16. Beautiful carvings on the temple.

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  17. nice place
    so near to blore but havent visited yet

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  18. 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.

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  19. A lesser known but exquisite temple of Karnataka...thanks for prolific write up...

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