- Vishnu
Chennakeshava temple
- Kaidala,Karnataka
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Overview
The Chenna Kesava temple at Kaidala, Karnataka is a Hindu shrine primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is well known for some excellent stone sculptures and inscriptions. One such inscriptions which dates back to the 12th century reveals that Shiva, Vishnu and Sugata (epithet of the Buddha) as the one and the same ultimate almighty, despite being known by different names in this world. The place Karidala was originally called the Kreedanagari. During the reign of the famous Hoysala dynasty, Kaidala was under Nripa Haya and was ruled by a local chieftain called Baachideva.
About the Temple
The major temples of Kaidala are the Chennakeshava and Gangadareshwara. These temples are completely cut off from the tourist circuit. The place Kaidala got its name from the Kannada words ‘Kai’ and ‘dala’ which means the ‘one who gave hands’. This name relates to the legend associated with the famous sculptor Jakanachari who is said to have got back his right hand after sculpting the divine statue of Lord Channakeshava. Despite sporting the look of an ordinary temple from outside, the temple stands unique from other temples with its striking sculptures by Jakanachari.
It is believed that the statue of Lord Chennakesava in Kaidala is one of the last statues sculpted by Jakanachari. Sculpted out of black stone, the status stands 6ft tall and is known for displaying amazing intricate details.
The temple complex is surround by walls which makes it look like a fort. Few mandapams or halls are found here and there. The temple lacks splendour and cannot be compared to the magnificent Chennakeshava temple at Belur. The pillars of the temple are intricately carved with many sculptures. The outer wall of the temple has a small image of a couple who at believed to be the parents of Jakanachari.
Legend and Stories
Jakanachari is a well-known sculptor who travelled to far and wide kingdoms on a quest to gain fame. He leaves behind his pregnant wife and over a period of time, forgets his family. He is completely engrossed in sculpting beautiful statues for temples. Meanwhile, Jakanachari reaches the Hoysala kingdom where he agrees to sculpt the idol of Lord Channakeshava.
On the other hand, Jakanachari’s wife gives birth to his son, Dankanachari who on attaining boyhood, leaves home in search of his father. Dhakanachari reaches Belur, a day before the installation of Lord Channakeshava’s idol. He claims to have found a flaw in the idol. Jakanachari feels insulted and refuses to admit that there could be a possibility of a mistake. He also proclaims that he will cut off his own hand even if a single flaw is found.
In order to validate each other’s claims, the statue was covered with sandle paste. To Jakanachari’s surprise, the paste gets dried up everywhere except for the navel area. A living frog is found nestled inside the nasal cavity. Jakanachari accepts his defeat to his son and chops off his right hand as said be for. This statue of Lord Chennakesava later became popular as ‘Kappe Channigaraya’ (Kappe in Kannada means Frog).
After sometime, Jakanacahri gets a vision to construct a temple at his home town. The father-son duo later moved to Kaidala, where Jakanachari is believed to have got back his hand on successfully sculpting the statue of Lord Chennakeshava.
How To Reach Chennakeshava temple
Road
The Nearest Bus stop is Kaidala.
Railways
The Nearest Railway station is Tumkur Railway Station.
Airport
The Nearest Airport is Bangalore International Airport
Temple Address
Chennakeshava temple,
Kaidala, Karnataka - 572118
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Fame
- Freedom from diseases
- Wealth
- Courage
- Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
- Relief from bondage
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Timings
The temple is open from 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM on all days except Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays On these days, the temple functions from 10.30 AM – 2.30 PM and 5.30 PM – 8.30 PM.