Chennakeshava temple
Also called: Belur temple, Chennakeshava temple, Belur · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 3 "An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara"
Meaning
The Chennakeshava temple is a Vishnu temple at Belur (old Velapura) in Karnataka. The Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana built it in 1117. It is famous for its very fine carving of dancers, animals and gods. It is one of the Hoysala temples that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, the Vijayanagara rulers built on this southern temple tradition.
Example
Vishnuvardhana built the temple at his capital, Belur, after he broke free from Chalukya overlordship and challenged the Cholas. The temple displayed his new power.
Don't confuse with
- Hoysaleshwara temple, Halebidu: a twin-shrined Hoysala temple to Shiva. The Chennakeshava temple at Belur is dedicated to Vishnu.
- Keshava temple, Somanathapura: a later Hoysala Vishnu temple built in 1268, with three shrines.
Related concepts
- Kakatiyas
- Rudramadevi
- Kakatiya Kala Thoranam
- Thousand Pillar temple
- Ramappa temple
- Hoysalas
- Vishnuvardhana
- Hoysaleshwara temple, Halebidu
- Keshava temple, Somanathapura
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas