Nageshvara-Chennakeshava Temple

The Nageshvara-Chennakeshava temple complex (also spelt Nagesvara and Chennakesava) is an elegant example of Hoysala architecture of the early 12th century. It is located in the village of Mosale, about 10kms from Hassan city, in Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. The temple was built in 1200 A.D. during the reign of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. According to art historian Gerard Foekema, the two temples that are built next to each other, in an idyllic rural setting, form a "perfect twin". This temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. By plan, the temples are simple single shrine structures with all the standard features of Hoysala architecture, a porch entrance into a square closed mantapa or navaranga (hall with no windows and a thick wall) leading to the sanctum, and a superstructure (sikhara) over the main shrine fitting the description of an ekakuta (single shrine with top). The sanctum (garbhagriha) is connected to the hall by a vestibule called sukhanasi. The closed hall, whose inner and outer walls are decorated, has four central lathe turned pillars that support a bay ceiling. The temples are constructed next to each other. The Nageshvara temple (lit, "Lord of snakes"), dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva (represented by his universal symbol, the Linga) is in the south. The Chennakeshava temple (lit, "beautiful Vishnu"), dedicated to a standing cult image of the Hindu God Vishnu, is to the north. Since all features are replicated in the temples, Gerard Foekema considers the ensemble advikuta (two shrines with two towers).