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May 19
in Indian architecture & Heritage 15 comments tags: architecture, belur, Chennakesava, Chennakeshava, Dankanacharya, darpana sundari, dynasty, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, halebeedu, halebid, halebidu, hassan, hindu, hoy, hoysala, hoysaleshvara, hoysaleshwara, hoysalesvara, india, Jakanacharya, karnataka, kedareshwara, madanika, photography, sala, salabhanjika, salabhanjike, Shantala Devi, temple, tourism

POETRY IN STONE : MADANIKAS OF BELUR

MADANIKAS OF BELUR : DARPANA SUNDARI (BEAUTY WITH A MIRROR)

Name of the Hoysala empire comes from Kannada folklore that tells the story of a young man called Sala who fights and kills a lion (or tiger) to save his Master  Sudatta. “Hoy, Sala” in Kannada language means “Strike Sala” which became the name of the dynasty he founded. The pictorial representation of this incident became the emblem of Hoysala empire too.  A statue of Sala fighting  the lion welcomes you at the entrance of Chennakesava temple at Belur.

STATUE OF SALA FIGHTING THE LION AT THE ENTRANCE OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR.

STATUE OF SALA FIGHTING THE LION AT THE ENTRANCE OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

The temple was built during the rule of Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty in 12th Century AD. According to the legend,  Chief Architects of Chennakeshava Temple were ‘Amarashilpi Jakanacharya’ and his son ‘Dankanacharya’. Please go through my detailed article on the history of  Belur & Halebid by clicking here.

Chennakesava temple is well-known for extremely fine carvings, sculptures and motifs on its outer walls. The most famous and exquisite ones among these are the 42 well-carved bracket figures known as Madanikas (Chaste Maidens or Salabhanjikas). 38 of these are placed outside the temple while 4 of them could be found inside.

A COLLECTION OF SEVERAL MADANIKA STATUES AT CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE

A COLLECTION OF SEVERAL MADANIKA STATUES AT CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE

Vishnuvardhana’s Queen Shantala Devi was considered to be the epitome of perfect feminine beauty and the Madanika sculptures were crafted by portraying the queen as a model. She was well-versed in music and BharatNatyam dance. Every Madanika figure depicts a BharatNatyam posture with minute details of costumes, makeup and ornaments. It is worth mentioning here that a Queen has demonstrated freedom of expression in the conservative society of that period.

Let’s have a look at some of these exquisite pieces of art. I have a good collection of detailed imagery available for commercial use. Kindly contact me if you wish to license these high resolution images.

DARPANA SUNDARI (BEAUTY WITH A MIRROR). LET'S HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DETAILS OF THIS STATUE BELOW

DARPANA SUNDARI (BEAUTY WITH A MIRROR). LET’S HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DETAILS OF THIS STATUE BELOW

THE MINUTE DETAILS OF THIS STATUE SHOW ANOTHER TINY FEMALE FIGURE HOLDING A MONKEY IN ONE HAND AND A BUNCH OF GRAPES IN THE OTHER HAND.

THE MINUTE DETAILS OF THIS STATUE SHOW ANOTHER TINY FEMALE FIGURE HOLDING A MONKEY IN ONE HAND AND A BUNCH OF GRAPES IN THE OTHER HAND

Out of all the Madanikas, Darpana Sundari (Lady with the mirror) stands out for its beauty and perfection. If you have a closer look at the anatomy, proportions and features of her body parts, it is undoubtedly a classic piece of art.

The statue of Mohini, in the most perfect dance posture is another example of Hoysala workmanship. It has been constructed in perfect symmetry, so that if you let a drop of water fall from the tip of her right hand raised above the head, it would touch her nose, then touch the left breast, tip of the left hand and finally land on the toe of her left foot.

These intrinsic works of art with its exceptional beauty and quality has been termed ‘Poetry in Stone’. Some of these sculptures are incredibly realistic and it is hard to believe they were carved out of stone.

MADANIKA NAMED SHUKA BHASHINI (LADY IN CONVERSATION WITH HER PET PARROT)

MADANIKA NAMED SHUKA BHASHINI (LADY IN CONVERSATION WITH HER PET PARROT). THE BANGLE ON HER RIGHT HAND COULD BE MOVED UP & DOWN

THE ARCH DANCER. LOOK AT THE INTRICATE ART WORK AROUND THE HEAD OF THIS DANCER MOTIF

THE ARCH DANCER. LOOK AT THE INTRICATE ART WORK AROUND THE HEAD OF THIS DANCER MOTIF

The Madanikas have been named based on their postures viz., Darpana sundari (Lady with mirror), Shuka sundari (Lady with parrot), Vasantha sundari, Sundari and Kapi (Lady with monkey), Bedithi, Keshabandha, Adhbhuta Nritya, Durga Nritya, Davane Nritya, Venuvadana (Flutist), Geethe, Mohini Nritya, Rudraveenadhari, Keshapasha, Parnashabari, Poornamohini Nritya, Vrishchika Mattu Yuvathi, Dwibhuja Sharada, Vyajana Nritya, Nagaveena, Lasya Nritya, Thribhangi Nritya, Kesha Shrungara, Gandharva Dance, Shantaladevi, Fortune teller, Songstress, Arch dancer, Lady with make-up, Kite dancer, Pony-tale haired lady, Drum dance, Nagaveena Dance, Gypsy girl, Bhasma Mohini dance, Huntress, Divine Dancer, Masculine woman, Violinist, Bewitching beauty, Musician, etc.

STATUE OF MOHINI, IN THE MOST PERFECT DANCE POSTURE. IT HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED IN PERFECT SYMMETRY, SO THAT IF YOU LET A DROP OF WATER FALL FROM THE TIP OF HER RIGHT HAND RAISED ABOVE THE HEAD, IT WOULD TOUCH HER NOSE, THEN TOUCH THE LEFT BREAST, TIP OF THE LEFT HAND AND FINALLY LAND ON THE TOE OF HER LEFT FOOT

STATUE OF MOHINI, IN THE MOST PERFECT DANCE POSTURE. IT HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED IN PERFECT SYMMETRY, SO THAT IF YOU LET A DROP OF WATER FALL FROM THE TIP OF HER RIGHT HAND RAISED ABOVE THE HEAD, IT WOULD TOUCH HER NOSE, THEN TOUCH THE LEFT BREAST, TIP OF THE LEFT HAND AND FINALLY LAND ON THE TOE OF HER LEFT FOOT

ANOTHER STATUE OF A DANCER WITH INCREDIBLY FINE DETAILS. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ART WORK REVEALS A LIZARD ON THE BRANCHES, WHICH IS TRYING TO CATCH A FLY FOUND SITTING ON A JACK FRUIT

ANOTHER STATUE OF A DANCER WITH INCREDIBLY FINE DETAILS.  HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ART WORK BELOW

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ART WORK REVEALS A LIZARD ON THE BRANCHES, WHICH IS TRYING TO CATCH A FLY FOUND SITTING ON A JACK FRUIT

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ART WORK REVEALS A LIZARD ON THE BRANCHES, WHICH IS TRYING TO CATCH A FLY FOUND SITTING ON A JACK FRUIT

MADANIKA WITH A BOW

MADANIKA WITH A BOW, CARVED WITH ULTIMATE PERFECTION

The Hoysala craftsmen had a habit of signing their creations by making inscriptions which gives an insight into the details of their life, biography, families etc. From the Stone/Copper plate inscriptions, it has been identified that more than 40 sculptures were the work of an artist called Ruvari Mallitamma. Other prominent craftsmen were Dasoja and his son Chavana from Balligavi (in Shimoga district), who made 4 and 5 Madanikas respectively. Malliyanna and Nagoja were the experts in creating animals and birds in the sculptures while Chikkahampa and Padari Malloja took the credit for some of the sculptures inside the temple. Other names mentioned were Masada and Nagoja. Further research proved that the construction was carried out under proper supervision, adhering to strict project planning and co-ordination.

THE CARVING OF GARUDA, OVER THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE

THE CARVING OF GARUDA, OVER THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE

FRIEZES OF CHARGING ELEPHANTS (A TOTAL OF 650 ELEPHANTS) AT THE BOTTOM LAYER OF THE WALL SYMBOLIZING STABILITY & STRENGTH

FRIEZES OF CHARGING ELEPHANTS (A TOTAL OF 650 ELEPHANTS) AT THE BOTTOM LAYER OF THE WALL SYMBOLIZING STABILITY & STRENGTH

DEVOTEES WORSHIPING THE LITTLE GANESHA IDOL

DEVOTEES WORSHIPING THE LITTLE GANESHA IDOL

DEPICTIONS FROM THE EPICS FOUND ON THE SIDE WALLS

DEPICTIONS FROM THE EPICS FOUND ON THE SIDE WALLS

SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF AN ADOLESCENT BOY, FOR WHOM EVERY GIRL LOOKS BEAUTIFUL EVEN IF SHE HAS A DONKEY'S HEAD!

SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF AN ADOLESCENT BOY, FOR WHOM EVERY GIRL LOOKS BEAUTIFUL EVEN IF SHE HAS A DONKEY’S HEAD!

VISHNU'S FOOT PRINTS

VISHNU’S FOOT PRINTS

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NARASIMHA IDOL AT CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

belurwall7_1024

A FRIEZE OF GAJASURASAMHARA THAT DEPICTS SHIVA SLAYING GAJASURA AND ANOTHER STATUE OF NAGA OR SERPENT GODS

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DEPICTIONS FROM THE EPICS ON THE OUTER WALLS OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

belurwall5_1024

RELIEFS ON THE OUTER WALLS OF CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

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SIDE WALL RELIEFS OUTSIDE CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

belurwall3_1024

WALL RELIEF OF RAVAN LIFTING MOUNT KAILASH

THE LITTLE GANESHA IDOL COLOURED WITH TURMERIC & VERMILION

THE LITTLE GANESHA IDOL COLOURED WITH TURMERIC & VERMILION

COLOURS OF DEVOTION OUTSIDE CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS ! DEVOTION AS SEEN OUTSIDE CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE, BELUR

ANCIENT KANNADA INSCRIPTIONS FOUND ON OUTER WALLS OF THE TEMPLE COMPLEX

ANCIENT KANNADA INSCRIPTIONS FOUND ON OUTER WALLS OF THE TEMPLE COMPLEX

Though King Vishnuvardhana and Queen Shantala d practiced Jainism, they embraced Hinduism and became ardent Vaishnavites later. A tragic fact is that Queen Shantala committed suicide by jumping from a hill, because she was unable to bear a child.

A WALK AROUND BELUR REFRESHES YOUR MIND

A WALK AROUND BELUR TOWN REFRESHES YOUR MIND

Hoysala Empire ruled the Deccan Plateau region of Southern India between the 10th and 14th centuries. They developed their own style of architecture and built a number of impeccable masterpieces around the kingdom, thus leaving their cultural imprint in and around the region. Several of these architectural wonders still exist in Karnataka, the most prominent ones are listed below in chronological order :

Click the name of a temple to go through a photo tour.

TEMPLE PLACE YEAR KING
Chennakesava Belur 1117 Vishnuvardhana
Hoysaleswara Halebidu 1120 Vishnuvardhana
Kedareshwara Halebidu 1200 Veera Ballala II
Veeranarayana Belavadi 1200 Veera Ballala II
Ishvara (Shivalaya) Arsikere 1220 Veera Ballala II
Kesava Somanathapura 1268 Narasimha III

 

 

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About the Author: GOPAN NAIR
Process Control Automation Engineer. Freelance Photographer and Graphic Designer

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15 Comments:

  1. Ezhil Ramalingam
    May 19, 2015
    Reply

    Simply breathtaking, Gopan !!! I have to plan my trip to Belur and Halebidu !!!

    • GOPAN NAIR
      May 19, 2015
      Reply

      Belur/Haledeedu is breathtakingly beautiful. Undoubtedly world’s best carvings ! You must have visited a number of times, but you may feel like going there again and again. We must travel together, the next time. Thank you once again, dear Ezhil Sir.

  2. GOPAN NAIR
    August 13, 2015
    Reply

    Did you go through the First Part of this blog ? Check it out here >> FACE TO FACE WITH HISTORY :: BELUR & HALEBID

    There is more on the Hoysala Temples here > A SNEAK PEAK INTO HOYSALA HISTORY : BELAVADI & ARSIKERE

  3. V Gopalan
    August 09, 2018
    Reply

    Breathtaking photography! Simply outstanding Gops!

    • GOPAN NAIR
      August 17, 2018
      Reply

      Thank you very much for your visit and nice words. Appreciate it.

  4. ARUN GUPTA
    November 24, 2019
    Reply

    superb photography bro
    KEEP IT UP ,,,,

    • GOPAN NAIR
      November 27, 2019
      Reply

      Thank you bro. Appreciate that. Please do visit whenever you find free time.

  5. Vaibhav kute
    June 03, 2020
    Reply

    Super photography,Outstanding work ……..please give me ur social media link and ur number

    • GOPAN NAIR
      June 04, 2020
      Reply

      Thanks for your visit & comments. Please check your inbox.

  6. Sam Ramaswamy
    August 05, 2021
    Reply

    Beautiful Nair. Are you a Instrumentation engineer like me – DMIT ( old days ) 1958I like Vishnu’s only Mohini Avatar & post it for my froiends in FB acknowledging you .Is it OK . Sam Ramaswamy

    • GOPAN NAIR
      August 05, 2021
      Reply

      Dear Sir. Thanks very much for your visit and comments. Yes, I am an Instrumentation Engineer by profession and a painter/photographer by passion. You are free to share any of my works for non-commercial purpose. Have a great day !

  7. Eshwar
    December 25, 2021
    Reply

    I am interested to buy high resolution images Madhanikas. Kindly get back to me with pricing and content details

    • GOPAN NAIR
      December 29, 2021
      Reply

      I will PM you.

  8. RICHA DIKSHIT
    January 03, 2023
    Reply

    excellent pictures and description, u have told me more than the guide when i visited the place. Would travel once more . thanks for this blog. Keep it up.

    • GOPAN NAIR
      January 03, 2023
      Reply

      Thank you very much. Your one comment made my day; rather the whole year. Happy new Year 2023.


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