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:

rupam sarma said...

Beautiful post and clicks.Thanks :)

Sridharan said...

Interesting..

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice temple!

Lowell said...

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

Al said...

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

Jen said...

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.

Anonymous said...

How ornate and lovely.

Photo Cache said...

beautiful temple.

Jeevan said...

Beautiful captures... Simple and elegant temple

Leovi said...

Wonderful artwork , excellent sculptures.

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

interesting :)

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful temple and photos!

Laura said...

Beautiful details!

HansHB said...

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

Annemor said...

Wonderful details.
All the best.
Mormor

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

Unknown said...

Another beautiful temple. The sculptures are amazing.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

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

Evening Shadows

Ruth Kelly said...

You have such wonderful craftsmanship in your country!

Kathe W. said...

beautiful photos and marvelous history!

Chubby Chieque said...

Long time no see, RAjesh...

Hope everything is in the best of everything.

Hugs from a rainy Stockholm,
/CC girl

Anonymous said...

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

Yogi Saraswat said...

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