Nagalapura Chennakeshava Temple...

Nagalapura, a small hamlet lies amidst the fascinating natural scenery of Tumkur taluk, holds two unique temples noted for its rich architectural value. The two temples are good examples of Hoysala Art the antiquities of these temples are not yet known. However, from their architectural character and style, they may belong to 12th century AD.

After a lunch we drove to this place, after reached the village Rajesh sir first brought us to Chennakeshava temple. We collected the keys from the neighboring house and Ashok opened the main entrance of the temple

The temples made of soapstone consist of a sanctum, a Sukanasi, a Navaranga. The sanctum of Chenna Kesava temple holds six-feted Chenna Kesava idol beautifully sculpted. The ceiling and pillars are carved brilliantly.

As we moved around the temple, the images of gods and goddesses were seen on the walls of the temple. The exquisitely carved figures of various forms of Shiva, Ugra-Narasimha, Madanika, Apsara , Garuda , Mahishamardini, Lakshmi and Giridhara are neatly arranged on the outer walls of the temple.

The temple stands on the raised platform circumambulatory path to go round the temple, carved repetitive friezes for basement cornices, introduction of a eave between the figure sculpture and turreted pilasters, exuberant ornamentation of the figure sculptures, are all the predominant features of Hoysala architecture. After handover the key to the villager we headed to the Kedaresvara temple.