Channarayapatna Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka

Address

Channarayapatna Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka

Channarayapattana,

Karnataka 573225

Moolavar

Sri Chennakeshava

Introduction

Channarayapatna is a taluk Headquarter situated on the Bangalore – Mangalore Highway NH 48, about 40 km from Hassan. The Hoysala temple here dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava and built during the 11th Century. Though simple in its external architectural features, the temple interiors are grand, as in every Hoysala temple. The artwork on the ceiling is an excellent example of the Hoysala architecture. The pillars, dwarapalas (guards) and the door frames are extremely intricate and decorative. The garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses a beautiful life size idol of Lord Chennakeshava (Vishnu). There is also an idol of Kalingamardana inside the temple. The front porch of the temple is a later addition by the Nayakas of Holenarsipura. There is a Garuda Khambha (pole) in front of the temple.

Puranic Significance

The Legend of this place as explained by the temple priest is as follows, “Kotalur (original name C R Patna), was once ruled by the Hoysalas and they built a temple here dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava”. This temple became famous in those days as people suffering from various diseases got cured after offering prayers here. Once, the prince of Holenarsipura was suffering from polio and all the efforts of the Nayaka King in curing him went in vain. It was then that the royal priest advised him to take the prince to the Chennakeshava temple in Kotalur and perform some rituals there. Acting accordingly, the Nayaka King took his son to the temple and performed the necessary rituals. In no time, the prince was cured of Polio and after this instance, he was renamed as Channa Raya and the place was renamed as Channarayapatna in the honor of the god who saved him Though the temple was restored some time ago, there seems to be a failure in maintenance. This being a live temple and situated amidst a town.