GOPS CREATIV :: REDISCOVERING MY LOST PASSIONS
May 19
by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 19 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

The Hoysala empire is named after a legend from Kannada folklore, which narrates the tale of a brave young man named Sala who courageously defeated a lion (or tiger) to protect his Master Sudatta. In Kannada language, “Hoy, Sala” translates to “Strike Sala,” which eventually became the moniker of the dynasty he established. This heroic event is symbolized in the emblem of the Hoysala empire. Visitors are greeted by a statue depicting Sala’s battle with the lion at the entrance of the Chennakesava temple in Belur. The construction of the temple took place under the reign of Vishnuvardhana from the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century AD. As per the myth, the main architects of Chennakeshava Temple were ‘Amarashilpi Jakanacharya’ and his son ‘Dankanacharya’. For more information on the history of Belur & Halebid, please refer to my comprehensive article by clicking here. The Chennakesava temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and motifs that embellish the outer walls. Among these, the most famous and exquisite are the 42 well-crafted bracket figures known as Madanikas (Chaste Maidens or Salabhanjikas). While 38 of these figures are positioned outside the temple, the remaining 4 can be admired within its sacred walls. […]
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May 18
by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 4 comments tags: architecture, arsikere, belavadi, belur, Chandramouleshwara, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, halebeedu, halebidu, hindu, hoysala, india, Ishvara, karnataka, Shivalaya, shrine, sivalaya, temple, tour, tourism, veeranarayana

A SNEAK PEAK INTO HOYSALA HISTORY : BELAVADI & ARSIKERE

‘Hoy, Sala !” in Kannada means “Strike Sala!”, a phrase derived from Kannada folklore. Legend has it that a young boy named Sala fought a lion (or tiger) to save his Jain Guru named Sudatta. This valiant warrior later founded the Hoysala empire, with the depiction of this event becoming the emblem of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala Empire governed the Deccan Plateau area in Southern India from the 10th to the 14th centuries. They crafted a unique architectural style and constructed numerous remarkable structures throughout their realm, thereby influencing the culture of the region. Many of these architectural marvels can still be found in Karnataka, with the most notable ones listed as follows: 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 1200 Veera Ballala II Kesava Somanathapura 1268 Narasimha III Click the name of a temple to go through a photo tour.    VEERA NARAYANA TEMPLE, BELAVADI  Belavadi, a quaint village positioned 10 kilometers to the northwest of Halebid (Halebeedu), the former capital of the Hoysala kingdom, […]
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Feb 22
by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage 19 comments tags: architecture, belur, Chennakesava, Chennakeshava, dynasty, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, halebeedu, halebid, halebidu, hassan, hindu, hoysala, hoysaleshvara, hoysaleshwara, hoysalesvara, india, Kappe Chennigaraya, karnataka, kedareshwara, madanika, photography, salabhanjika, salabhanjike, temple, tourism

FACE TO FACE WITH HISTORY :: BELUR & HALEBID

Belur (ಬೇಲೂರು in the Kannada language) which served as the former capital of the Hoysala Empire and Halebidu, situated 16 kilometers from Belur, both part of the Hassan district are prominent tourist spots in Karnataka. Belur is positioned along the banks of the Yagachi River, a tributary of the Kaveri River. The distance between Belur and Bangalore is approximately 222 kilometers. Belur’s primary highlight is the Chennakesava temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and Hoysala craftsmanship. The name ‘Chenna’ Kesava translates to ‘Handsome Vishnu’, the principal deity of the temple, enshrined at the heart of the temple complex, flanked by the Kappe Chennigraya temple and several other shrines. Constructed by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE to commemorate his triumph over the Cholas at Talakkad (read it here), the temple’s construction is said to have spanned 103 years according to legend. The intricate and detailed carving style is commonly found in the Hoysala temples of Karnataka, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, contemporary culture, art forms, and weaponry. Soapstone ((steatite or talc-schist)) is the material of choice for carving, providing a remarkable finish. The softness of soapstone allows for shaping even with finger nails, and instead of the traditional hammer and chiselling […]
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