Chennakeshava Temple Beluru
Temple art, architecture and ground plan
Located in Belur, about 137 miles west of Bangalore in Karnataka, India, the Chennakeshava Temple is an architectural masterpiece and engineering marvel. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is one of the most beautiful temples in India, and with its unique style and features, it stands out from all the rest. Built by the Hoysalas in the 12th century, it is a shining example of their ingenuity and engineering skills.
Architecturally classified as a Mandapa style temple – a subclass under the southern Dravida style – the Belur Chennakeshava Temple consists of two main parts,
Garbhagriha - the sanctum where the idol of the deity is placed.
Navaranga Mandapa - the main pillared hall that leads to the sanctum through a vestibule.
Note that in Indian temples, the Mandapa is a covered hall, and the Garbhagriha is the inner sanctum, i.e., the chamber in which the principal deity of the temple resides. The mandapa-style temples can have more than one sanctum or garbhagrihas. The Chennakeshava Temple has a single garbhagriha, and such temples with a single garbhagriha are known as ekakuta temples.
