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 Buchiraja 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 outer walls of the temple are decorated with
pilasters, stambhas and diamond shaped flowers. There are many niches which are
beautified with 12 forms of Vishnu on the southern side and the 12 remaining
forms on the northern side, attended by female attendants on either side. On
the west there are the sculptural works of Dharani-Varaha. Over the head of the
temple there is an attractive shikara. It comprises of 3 talas (layers) and is
crowned with a kalasa. The beautiful Hoysala emblem, statue of Sala slaying the
lion, adorns the vestibule of this temple. Inside the curled tail of the lion
being slayed, is a spectacular carving of Goddess Chamundeshwari. At the
entrance door (main entrance) there are two mammoths and a huge inscription, in
stone.
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