Keshava Temple –Aralaguppe

The Old Testament there was a physically glorious work which was replaced by a spiritually glorious work. We sea that it was harder for those who saw the previous temple (Kalleswara) to be content when they saw the Chenna Kesava temple in Arasikere.

 

This temple was constructed in 13th century AD during the Hoysala period and its stands on a raised platform (4 feet high Jagati) in the centre of the village.

 
This is Ekakootachala temple a single celled temple, with its star shaped Garbhagriha and tower is of a simple ground plan consisting of an Antarala (vestibule), Navaranga and an entrance Ankana with an entrance porch at east and it fitted with pierced stone windows, which allows subdued light into the temple. The temple follows the contours of the Vimana and has a flight of steps in the front flanked by two miniature towers on each side.

 

A separate shrine is built for Narasimha at south. The wall decorations are as profuse as in any other ornate Hoysala temple the upper half of the wall shows varied forms of miniature towers, turrets on pilasters. The basement of the temple consists of the friezes of rows of elephants, Horses, Scrolls and Depiction of Puranic scenes. The walls are embellished with sculpture of Vishnu in his 24 forms flanked by other secular themes all under Patralata-torana.

The noteworthy sculptures are Naryana, Lakshmi, Dancing Ganesh, Mohini, Shadbuja-Saraswati, Venugopala, Krishna, Lakshmi-Narasimha and Ugra-Narasimha etc. Many of these sculptures have the name of the sculpture as Honnoja inscribed below them.

The Garbhagriha has a beautiful Shikara in 4 tiers of Vesara type. It is decorated with miniature turrets. At the interior the Navaranga has beautiful pillars of Hoysala architectural features. The niches on the walls have sculptures of Ganesh and Mahishamardini. There is also a sculpture of Keshava about 6 feet high. The central celing (Bhuvaneshvari) has a row of Yakshas and sculpture of Narayana flanked by Miniature turrets.

 

The Garbhagriha houses sculpture of Keshava of Hoysala period. The Prabhavali has miniature sculptures of Dasavataras of Vishnu. The pillars that support the navaranga and the ceilings are elaborately worked. The fine workmanship of the pillars is eye-catching.

 

 

 

The Vimana of this temple is in the shape of 16-pointed star and consists of Koota aedicule each one rotated by 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 22.5 degrees successively. The tower of the Vimana with four Talas has a Vedike and Koota roof at the top, which follows the contours of the sanctum below. The top Kalasa is missing.

The Old Testament there was a physically glorious work which was replaced by a spiritually glorious work. We see that it was harder for those we saw the previous temple (Kalleswara) to be content when we saw the Chenna Kesava temple in Arasikere.

Ah!! Its Monsoon Season :-)

 

The monsoon is here :-) Now I can more close my eyes in slumber. Now I know that Monsoon showers of arrows must batter my heart. I love this season - When dark clouds cover the sky and start showering raindrops on us, I heard everyone around me saying “Ah!! Rain!  Everywhere water green.

The phrase Expressions of love and happiness cannot be taught. They come to you naturally, isn’t it? Every living entity shows its love for the rains in its own way. Immediately, after the rain plants seem to be thrilled and grow much faster and greener with new branches shot up. I read in story books that peacock dance in the rain on green fields to show their happiness on arrival of monsoons.

Pours a great volume of water during different seasons...

The clouds roll and the wind picks up and when it rains - oh, blissful. It makes me want to take off my shoes and go play in the street. The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell. The smell of first rain, the cool moist breeze on  face with the sound of raindrops- priceless experience...

Truly, nature has her own way of expressing love and affection to us. During monsoon season, when tiny rain droplets fall to the ground, the sky gives an impression of mother who is shedding tears in joy on meeting her beloved children. Is it sounding my philosophical illusion, I feel its shows the kindness that nature has showered on us by creating monsoon season to enjoy :-)

Happy monsoon! :-)

It's real time to go out for nature trail!
Photos By- Rakesh holla & Ashok S B

Kalleshwara temple - Aralaguppe.

The Aralaguppe stands on an extensive mound and was a place of considerable importance between the 8th and 10th century AD under the Nolambas & pre- Hoysala’s Emperors. Kalleshwara temple is one of the major popular temples in this place and was built by Nolambas style of the 9^th century A.D. It represents the architectural features in which the Nolamba craftsmen show a high order of excellence and that warrant inclusion in an art historical account.

Kalleswara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and there is huge Lingam in the Sanctum. The Kalleshwara temple has two attractions which are worth many a visit -The extraordinary ceiling intricately carved and the sculpture of Umamaheshwara.

 

While the Adhishtana is made of granites, the temple's walls and towers are constructed with bricks may be a later day addition. There is an idol of Nandi in front of the main Deity of dark granite, 6 ft. in length and 4ft.in height is at the entrance.

 

 

The wall at a number of places has been ornamented by carved human figures. Its Mukhamantapa ceiling is considered the most beautiful sculpture found in the State which is something to be seen to be believed.  It’s amazing but proved difficult to capture of the nine panels on the ceiling it has in Nolambas style portrayal of wonderful dancing Shiva (Tandaveswara) sculpture with musical accompanists and eight Dikpalas surrounding him depicted with their paraphernalia and vehicles.

 

Another unique feature of this ceiling is the flying Vidyadharas (Gandharvas), Four, with garlands in their hands at each corner of the panel. These garland-bearing Vidyadharas are quite common to Nolamba architecture; a clear evidence of the elegance and comprehensiveness of their style. The Nataraja (Tandaveswara) meanwhile, is a remarkable three-dimensional image, wearing jewels such as the Katibandana and tassels. The dancing lord is accompanied by three Bhutas playing a three-headed percussion instrument. They are also seen with Ayut and other symbols.

 

The northern and eastern lateral shrines contain idols of Keshava and Surya, while the southern one contains the Umasahita mounted over a large stele with a lotus pedestal and a Prabhavali with a couple of flying Vidyadharas. The extraordinary ceiling of the mukhamantapa, with the Nolambas style portrayal of Umamaheshwara at Consisting of garbagriha, antarala, and a mukhamantapa, the temple's sanctum sanctorum is adorned with a huge black-granite Shivalinga.

The outer walls are insipid without projections and recesses, but for the lone niche at the antarala that divides the Vimana from the Mukhamantapa. Pilasters built closer at the temple's interiors however, appears more refreshing.

There is also a small temple in the main temple complex which dedicated to Lord Uma Maheshwara and two more temples dedicated to the Ganapathi and Subramanya. The image of Gajalakshmi on the doorway adds charm to the place. This temple maintained by modern style but not in a systematic way.