Thursday, February 13, 2014

Kappe Channigraya Temple, Belur

In Belur, the Kappe Channigraya Temple is one of the beautiful temples in the Chennakesava Temple complex. This temple smaller than the Chennakesava Temple architecturally significant, though it lacks any sculptural features on the external walls. The construction of the temple was initiated by Shantaladevi, queen of famous King Vishnuvardhan in 1117 AD.



It is a dual structure temple with the later addition of a shrine to its original plan. The original shrine has a star-shaped plan while the additional shrine is a simple square. The temple built on an elevated platform has perforated side walls. The image inside the temple is Lord Keshva.



The doorway is beautifully executed with a figure of Lakshminarayana flanked by makaras on the lintel. 



Inside the temple there are exquisite sculptures of Lakshminarayana, Ganesha, Saraswati and Mahishamardini. 

22 comments:

  1. Beautiful post and clicks.Thanks :)

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  2. It's quite wondrous how some ancient architect designed such temples but even more remarkable are those craftsmen who did all the carving!

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  3. Very nice - the first photo is very different from other temples you've posted.

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  4. It's difficult to imagine such structures that are thousands of years old in a country that is roughly 200 years old. I wonder if we have built anything that will last that long.

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  5. Anonymous10:18

    How ornate and lovely.

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  6. Beautiful captures... Simple and elegant temple

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  7. Wonderful artwork , excellent sculptures.

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  8. Beautiful temple and photos!

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  9. Beautiful details!

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  10. A beautiful tempel. B&W with some color...

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  11. Wonderful details.
    All the best.
    Mormor

    http://www.starbear.no/mormor/2014/02/14/venterwaiting/

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  12. Another beautiful temple. The sculptures are amazing.

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  13. I'm always up for another glimpse of India's architecture!

    Evening Shadows

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  14. You have such wonderful craftsmanship in your country!

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  15. beautiful photos and marvelous history!

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  16. Long time no see, RAjesh...

    Hope everything is in the best of everything.

    Hugs from a rainy Stockholm,
    /CC girl

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  17. Anonymous14:01

    The carvings look great. I'm guessing this temple also belongs to Kakatiyas, is it so?

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  18. You are producing a nice series of pictures specially of Religious places.

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