BELUR CHANNAKESHAVA TEMPLE,Karnataka.
Took over 103 years to finish the construction by over 3 generations.Built by hoysala king Vishnuvardhana in 12th century.This temple is one true definition of amazing architecture ever.
Temple is built by soapstone which is soft when quarried and allows the artist to carve more easily,the material hardens over time.
- Both nagara style architecture and south indian karnataka style architecture are used.
- Along the outer walls of main temples,there are rows of carvings of various animals,scenes of Mahabharata and ramayana and dancing damsels.Each carving is perfect and has a certain symbolism.
- The elephants at the base reflects strength,while the lions above them were a symbol of courage and above that the horses stood for speed.
- There are around 600 elephants carved along the outer row. Marvellous,isn't it?
Top View of the temple.
If you can see a pillar in the below picture that is also called a gravity pillar meaning it doesn't have a foundation below it and stands erect on it's own weight. Unbelievable!
At regular intervals of temple you'll find several dancing nymphs carved onto wall.The madanikas or nymphs are said to have been modeled after the beautiful queen shantala,wife of king Vishnuvardhana.
The interiors of the temple are so artistic that it really makes us wonder whether this type of architecture could ever be made again. No architects or interior designers of present generation can recreate such marvel again.
This temple was continuously damaged and rebuilt over many times due to islamic invasion still it stands firm over a thousand year. In an era where we even find it difficult to draw on papers,our ancestors were indeed so great to build such an eye filling architecture and every Indian must be proud of them.