Shikhara Journeys
Nageshvara–Chennakeshava Temples, Mosale

Karnataka · South

Nageshvara–Chennakeshava Temples, Mosale

Nageshvara-Chennakeshava Temple complex, Mosale

HoysalaBefore c. 1250 CEShiva and Vishnu

The Nageshvara-Chennakeshava temple complex, sometimes referred to as the Nagesvara and Chennakesava temples of Mosale, is a pair of nearly identical Hindu temples in the village of Mosale near Hassan city, Karnataka, India. One for Shiva, other for Vishnu, this pair is a set of highly ornamented stone temples, illustrating the Hoysala architecture. These temples also include panels of artwork related to the goddess tradition of Hinduism (Shaktism) and Vedic deities. Another notable feature of these temples is the artwork in their ceilings, how the shilpins (artisans) integrated the historic pre-Hoysala architectural innovations from the Chalukya era. Further, the temples include north Indian Bhumija and south Indian Vesara aedicules on the outer walls above the panels. It is unclear when this temple pair was built, but given the style and architectural innovations embedded therein, it was likely complete before 1250 CE. According to Dhaky – an architecture and history scholar, the interior of this temple pair is "gorgeously embellished" and the outer artwork is "handsomely decorated".

Art & Architecture

  • Near-identical paired temples, one for Shiva and one for Vishnu
  • Ceiling artwork carrying pre-Hoysala Chalukya-era innovations
  • North Indian Bhumija and South Indian Vesara aedicules on the same outer wall

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Journeys Featuring This Temple

Sources

Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as “Nagesvara and Chennakesava Temple”, Mosale, Hassan district.