Chennakeshava temple, at Hullekere, in the Arasikere
Taluk, is in dilapidated condition. It was restored with the help of Sri
Dramasthala Manjunatha Trust, as it doesn't come under purview of the ASI
(archaeological survey of India). As per the inscriptions found here, it was
built in 1163 A.D. by a minister of Hoysala
empire king Narasimha I.
The temple looks like a replica of the Anekere
Chennakeshava Temple, being similar in plan and dimensions, except that this
temple has more intricate carvings on the outer walls when compared to the
temple at Anekere. The simple ekakuta temple complex facing east is surrounded
with a large pillared circum-ambulating platform further away from the temple
structure.
The garbhagriha houses a beautifully executed Lord Chennakeshava
standing on a Garuda pitha. The door way of the garbhagriha has a richly
decorated depiction of Gajalakshmi on its lintel. Four lathe turned pillars divide
the ceiling of square sabhamantapa into nine decorated bays. Each one of the nine
bays/ankanas of ceilings is decorated with unique mouldings. The door jamb of sabhamantapa
also has richly carved image of Gajalakshmi on its lintel. The mukhamantapa is an
open pillared hall or porch. The porch consists of
an awning supported by half pillars and parapets on either side.
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