Chennakeshava Temple -Anekere (1119 A.D.)

Another beautiful ancient Hoysala temple is found in a small village called Anekere in Chennarayapatna Taluk. It is an ancient holy village also called as Agrahara and this village is situated just 5kms from the Channarayapatna towm. Over 564 temples in Chennarayapatna Taluk many of them built during the period of Hoysala Empire. There are many temples in and around the town; the most popular temple is Channakeshava Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava (Meaning- Handsome Vishnu) which dates back to the Hoysala period built during 1119 AD stands majestically bearing testimony to the skills of architects of the Hoysalas.

Unfortunately this marvel stands bounded by domestic houses and is almost lost in the encroachment of the village. However it is truly a dramatic sensation to suddenly find such a majestic temple hidden behind houses in a small alley of this sleeping village although the temple remains closed but the temple care-taker duly opens it when visitors arrive.

The temple is built in Hoysala style and has a big open space around the temple. The temple stands in a spacious courtyard surrounded by a covered passage and compound with a Gopura entrance. The entrance to the temple complex is through a porch with tall beautifully carved pillars Set within an enclosed courtyard, with the pillared corridors colonnade around the temple. On the top of the temple, one can find finely carved Kalasha which is unique in its style and is of the biggest in size.

There lathe-turned pillars are one characteristic feature that adds to the uniqueness of the Hoysala style architecture. The pillars are cylindrical in shape with the possible exception of the cubical capital and the base sections. The ring like groves all along the length, except in the lower portion that appears like a bell unlike other structural elements of the temple which were manually executed, the Hoysalas employed some kind of Mechanization in making these pillars.

There freshly quarried soapstone cut and finished about the size of the final pillar is the raw-material. This is then mounted on a wooden swivel, like a potter’s wheel, but much stronger to hold the pillar. The pillar is then rotated along the vertical axis. A narrow chisel is then held close to the surface, resulting in a chipping action. Take a close look at these pillars; you can see the chisel marks.

Though the stone now feels very hard, the freshly quarried soapstone is quite soft to work with. In fact this technique was used by their predecessor, the Chalukyas. But Hoysalas where known for their obsession for the details, and dexterousness in execution. While the pillars of Chalukyan temples are bold, the Hoysalas added the element of intricacy to it. You’ll see these pillars on the porch to the Kesava temple complex, numerous ones forming a row along the along the colonnade and also inside the temple.

The ones inside the temple are somewhat special with additional decorations. Those lathe-turned pillars are further executed with fluted designs along the length, Hoysala ingenuity. Also you’ll see the pillars inside looks polished compared to the ones outside.

The temple facing at East direction and it is a fine Ekakuta temple, Although Keshava Temple has less exuberance in soapstone sculptures compared to other Hoysala temples, the few which adorn the wall, ceilings and pillars are unparallel.

The positive energy is spread out in the entire temple especially around where the Chennakeshava idol is placed. The main Idol has a profusion of intricate carvings and adornments and looked very refreshing and it appeared that the regular prayers are offered at this temple. The temple has some very fine wall sculptures. We took some time adoring the workmanship of the sculptors as we did our circumambulation.

The temple stone inscription narrates the majestic history of the temple, Hoysala kings and the builders engulfing the visitors in an aura of sublime awe and reverence.

The temple has been recently renovated to preserve the rich heritege.&Grama Devathe Sri Anekereamma and Panchalingeshwara temples are also here very famous devotes, and three two lakes around the village. After spending one hour marveling at the temple, we are done for the day and are ready to leave for home.