Channakeshava temple turns 900

[JANASENA]

A gem: A file photo of the Chennakeshava temple in Belur which is a major tourist attraction.  

 

The temple was constructed by Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala dynasty and is a monument recognised by the ASI.

The Channakeshava temple in Belur — a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture — turned 900 this year. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to come up with plans to make it a memorable occasion, the Muzrai Department and Hassan district administration have planned a series of programmes.

A nine-day event, construction of a memorial and setting up of a school for sculpture are in the offing. Religious programmes to mark the 900th anniversary of the idol installation were held on Sunday, attracting hundreds of people.

 

Recognised by ASI

The temple, constructed by Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty, is a monument recognised by the ASI. It attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad. Considered to be the first temple of Hoysala style, it was built between 1106 and 1117, according to Srivatsa Vati, a historian and an expert in Hoysala architecture.

• The temple was built between 1106 and 1117.
• It was commissioned by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.
• The temple is regarded a marvel of architecture in typical Hoysala style.
• It commemorates the king’s victory in 1104.
• Belur, along with Halebid, is proposed as a UNESCO heritage site.
• Belur is 40 kilometres from Hassan city.

“Soon after winning a war in 1104, Vishnuvardhana took up the construction of the temple, and according to an inscription, the temple was ready by March 1117,” he said.

It was Mr. Vati, who wrote to various departments, including the ASI, reminding them about the temple’s 900th anniversary and stressed need to commemorate the occasion. The Muzrai Department and Hassan district administration responded positively. “The temple management committee held a meeting and invited me to make suggestions. Several programmes are being discussed,” he said. However, he is disappointed because there has been no response from the ASI to his letter.

A. Manju, Minister of State for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry, who is also in charge of Hassan, held a meeting to discuss the programmes. As per the suggestions, religious programmes were held on Sunday, under the leadership of priests of the temple. Mr. Vati has suggested a nine-day event, including seminars, a sculpture workshop, competitions for college students, and a State-level Bharatanatyam competition, to mark the occasion.

Ravish Belur, a member of the temple management committee, told The Hindu, “There are suggestions to hold a nine-day event. Mr. Manju is willing to set up an institute to teach the art of sculpture in Belur to mark the occasion. The committee wants to build a structure to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the monument. The programmes will be finalised after a meeting with the district administration.”

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