About Chennakeshava Temple:
- The Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as the Keshava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century temple in Karnataka.
- It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE (after a major military victory in 1116 CE over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad), on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, also known as Velapura.
- The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Architecture:
- It is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture.
- The Hoysalas used soft soapstone for their structures, as they were found suitable for intricate carvings.
- Enclosed by a Prakara with a Gopura built in the Vijayanagar style, the temple stands on a platform, or Jagati, and looks like a huge casket.
- The outer walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings, which depict various gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.
- There are Madanika sculptures in the temple, dancing, hunting, standing under canopies of trees.
- One of the unique features of the Chennakeshava Temple is the stepped well, which is located in the temple complex.
