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| The Kedareshwara Balligavi, KA image: D.kannambadi en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: The Kedareshwara Temple (also spelt "Kedaresvara" or "Kedareshvara") in Halebidu, in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. A front view displays the staggered square layout of mantapa (hall).........
Located in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, the town of Balligavi stands as a silent witness to the artistic transition between two of South India’s most influential dynasties: the Western Chalukyas and the Hoysalas. As a medieval seat of learning and religious pluralism, Balligavi hosted Jain, Buddhist, Shaiva, and Vaishnava traditions. This cultural synthesis is most brilliantly captured in its stone monuments, specifically the Kedareshwara temple and also by Tripurantaka temple in the same town..
The Kedareshwara Temple: A Structural Evolution
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| Nandi(bull) Kedareshwara Temple, Balligavi touringwithpk.com |
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| Kedareshwara Temple justdial.com |
Above image: Nandi (bull) facing the Shiva shrine, Kedareshwara Temple....................
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| Rear view Kedareshwara Temple three shrines with three towers, en.wikipedia.org |
The Kedareshwara Temple is a pivotal monument in Indian art history, representing the "triple tower" or Trikuta style - three shrines, each with a superstructure or shikhara with the shrines facing east, north, and south. The western shrine has a vestibule where as the other two shrines have a "half hall" (ardha mandapa). They are connected to Maha Mandaba which is preceded by a large hall (sabha mandapa). The plan of the large hall is staggered square, a unique feature that highlights projections and recesses the former is articulated characterized by repetitive decoration.
It is recognized as the oldest example of a transitional style that blends Western Chalukya idioms with burgeoning Hoysala aesthetics. In the Trikuta style the unique feature is only the central shrine has a tower, whereas the lateral shrines are virtually hidden behind the thick outer walls and appear to be a part of the hall itself. The central garbhagriha is enshrined with Sivalinga, while the lateral shrines have both Sivalingas and images of Vishnu.
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| Central shrine Kedareshwara Temple,Balligavi,KA touringwithpk.co |
Architecture and Layout
The temple faces east and is distinguished by its staggered-square plan, a Hoysala innovation that creates a rhythmic play of projections and recesses along the exterior. The temple stands on the platform called jagati. It is typically five to six feet in height and which can be reached by a flight of steps.
Hoysala temples normally don't build a pradakshina path or circumambulatory path around the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) unlike the Dravida styled temples. However, the platform is used as a pradakshina path and for the convenience of devotees and visitors this plan offers a good view of the wall relief and sculptures on the outer section.
Though a Shaiva temple, its friezes and panel relief have depictions from both the Shaiva and Vaishnava legend. The three sanctums are connected to a "staggered square" (indented) central hall (maha mandapa) by individual vestibules called "sukanasi".
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| Kedareshwara Temple Balligavi KA image:A. Manuja en.wikipedia.org |
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| Kedareshwara Temple Balligavi KA image:Dineshkannambadi en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: The Kedareshwara Temple was constructed by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II (r. 1173-1220 A.D.) and his queen Kamaladevi................
The temple houses three shrines:
Central Shrine: Contains a Krishnashila (black marble) Shiva Linga.
Southern Shrine: Dedicated to Brahma.
Northern Shrine: Houses a statue of Janardhana (Vishnu).
This triad symbolizes the Hindu Trinity, reflecting the religious inclusivity of the era. The temple’s entrance, featuring stepped access on three sides, remains a classic Western Chalukya hallmark.
Artistic Detail
The interior is a masterclass in craftsmanship. The mantapa (hall) is supported by two distinct rows of pillars: the outer row is 16-faced, while the inner row features the lathe-turned, bell-shaped moldings that would later become a signature of Hoysala architecture.
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| Ornate bay ceiling Kedareshwara Temple Balligavi image: D.kannambadi en.wikipedia.org |
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| Kedareshwara Temple Balligavi KA en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: The Kedareshwara. The Central ornate domical bay ceiling supported by lathe turned pillars in the mantapa made of soft rocks - soapstone. Use of this type of soft rock was popularized by the Chalukya Dynasty for the finest exhibition carved sculptures, relief work, etc........
The ceilings are equally ornate, featuring intricate lotus motifs, while the central ceiling depicts Thandaveswara (the dancing Shiva) surrounded by the eight Dikpalakas (directional guardians). The vimana (superstructure) is topped with sukanasi (ornamental projections) and decorated with avatars of Shiva and Vishnu, such as Varaha and Bhairava.
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| Wall panel relief sculptures,Kedeswara temple en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Wall panel relief of deities. The base of the temple wall (adhisthana) around the common hall and the two lateral shrines have mouldings, each of which exhibiting carefully made friezes in relief that depict animals and episodes from the Hindu mythology..........
The temple is a protected monument of national importance under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balligavi
https://touringwithpk.com/balligavi-kedareshwara
https://www.indianetzone.com/kedareswara_temple
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
