After a long time yet another temple visited. Turuvekere ia taluk head quarters in Tumkur district. It is about 120 kms from Bengaluru. We take Hassana highway and take a deviation to right after Yadiyur. The road is good and the town is an average karnataka town. but all facilities are available. But a decent hotel is lacking.Turuvekere is host to lot of temples and spiritual centres. It was probably a very important administrative centre during Hoysala rule between 11th and 13th centuries. The town itself hosts three architecturally excellent 12th century temples and one of a later origin probably Vijayanagar period. Some of them have been renovated. But the old temples are ill maintained and is locked for visitors. Open only early morning and late evening. People or enthusiasts who come at odd hours miss the opportunity to see them.
Of course I had seen one Chennakeshava temple 7or8 yrs back but felt like going again. So on 17th march I was on my way back from my village and had an opportunity.
1. Chennakeshave temple
2. Mooleshankara temple.
3. Byatarayaswamy temple,
The first two are of 12th century and the third one looks recent may be 15th or 16th. Byataraya temple is huge but not decorated except for the presiding deity. The main Gopura is recently rebuilt in 2017?.
Then our taxi driver who has a friend there suggested us that we visit Nagalapura just 8 kms from Turuvekere. Of course we had missed it all these years. Towards south on the left side of road towards Tiptur just at the end of town. The road is motorable amidst the coconut groves and an occasional peacock crossing our path. There are two 12th century temples we saw and missed the third one for lack of time.
1.Kedareshwara temple
2. Another Shiva temple
Typical Hoysala architecture with wall panels and statues from Hindu gods and goddesses, beautifully carved. But most are defaced by the ravages of invaders and local arsonists with no sense of history and pride. And weather contributing its part.
It was worth a visit esp for those who are interested in Hoysala architecture.
Here are some pictures from my cell phone as I had
not taken my Nikon.
Of course I had seen one Chennakeshava temple 7or8 yrs back but felt like going again. So on 17th march I was on my way back from my village and had an opportunity.
1. Chennakeshave temple
2. Mooleshankara temple.
3. Byatarayaswamy temple,
The first two are of 12th century and the third one looks recent may be 15th or 16th. Byataraya temple is huge but not decorated except for the presiding deity. The main Gopura is recently rebuilt in 2017?.
Then our taxi driver who has a friend there suggested us that we visit Nagalapura just 8 kms from Turuvekere. Of course we had missed it all these years. Towards south on the left side of road towards Tiptur just at the end of town. The road is motorable amidst the coconut groves and an occasional peacock crossing our path. There are two 12th century temples we saw and missed the third one for lack of time.
1.Kedareshwara temple
2. Another Shiva temple
Typical Hoysala architecture with wall panels and statues from Hindu gods and goddesses, beautifully carved. But most are defaced by the ravages of invaders and local arsonists with no sense of history and pride. And weather contributing its part.
It was worth a visit esp for those who are interested in Hoysala architecture.
Here are some pictures from my cell phone as I had
