28th April 2012
This year’s Hoysala trail started from the village of Anekere. As the names suggests, the village is situated next to a big lake. It may be a lake for bathing the elephants during old times but now it is an ordinary lake. A Temple from Hoysala times adorns the village and that was the reason why we went to Anekere.
As I stopped the car on the narrow street that leads to the Temple, we found it locked. One can jump the wall with little difficulty but the beauty of this Temple lies inside. So we had to find the key of the Temple. As luck would have it the priest’s family lived just next to the Temple. Within few minutes the priest’s son Venkatesh came and opened the Temple.
It is a small Temple and looks very ordinary from outside. But it is the Temple interiors that contain the great architecture. It was dark inside and Venkatesh helped us with his torch. Venkatesh provided a brief history of the Temple. The Hoysala King Veera Ballala II on returning from a successful battle against Chalukyas stayed in Anekere. In memory of it, he constructed the Temple. It was during 12th century.
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| Opening on the ceiling |
The main idol of Chennakeshava is intact and is worshipped daily. The carvings at the ceiling are intricate and differentiates it from other Temples. Also see the red color is used in the stones. There is also a small opening that was used as a secret place for hiding.
Another highlight of the Temple is the stone Khalasa at the top. It is said to be biggest in the state. It would have looked nice if the tube light was not installed.
This Temple was recently renovated with the help of Dharmasthala trust. Even though it is not under ASI, the Temple is maintained well by the trust and villagers.
How to reach Anekere
Anekere is 8 km from the town of Channaraya Patna. One need to take left turn (if coming from Bengaluru) that is opposite to Vijaya Bank. The road is small and is hard to find the deviation.
R Niranjan Das
Nice photos.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Krishna
Nice tour with beautiful photos and nice info
thanks
Vineeta Yashswi
Amazing pictures…
Shanky Jindal
Good one…
http://www.gujaratonnet.com
Aravind GJ
Niranjan, Krishna, Vineeta, Shanky
Thanks for your comments.
ರಾಜೇಶ್ ನಾಯ್ಕ
Idol photo is well taken.
Aravind GJ
Rajesh,
Thanks.
VUFF-Indian Flora Fauna
Fine travel and pictures.
Period of Veera Ballala II is doubtful. Temple was supposed to have been built in 1119 or so. Veera Ballala II came in after 1170 or so. Have check made please.
Best wishes,
Manohar Urs VU2UR