The Department of History organised a field visit to the Chennakesava Temple in Channarayapatna for educational purposes on Thursday, March 24, 2025. The excursion was attended by Mr. Shekhimran, Assistant Professor of History, along with III BA(H K) students. Guide Mr. Jayaram provided an explanation of the temple’s history to the students.
He discussed how Vishnuvardhana, a ruler of the Hoysala dynasty, played a key role in the evolution of language and writing during that period. The Chennakesava Temple, built in the 11th century and dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava (a form of Lord Vishnu), is a prime example of Hoysala architecture. While the exterior of the temple appears simple, the interior is grand, reflecting the characteristic style of Hoysala temples. The ceiling artwork is an excellent representation of this architectural style. The pillars, dwarapalas (guardian figures), and door frames are intricately carved and highly decorative. The temple's sanctum sanctorum, or garbagriha, houses a beautiful life-size idol of Lord Chennakeshava, along with an idol of Kalingamardana. The front porch was a later addition made by the Nayakas of Holenarsipura, and a Garuda Khambha (pole) stands in front of the temple.
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