Nageshwara and Chennakeshava Temple

 Nageshwara and Chennakeshava Temple

This is an ancient temple located at Mosale which is 15 kilometres from Hassan is a real hidden gem of Karnataka. This is a remarkable example of Hoysala Architecture which was build during 12th to 13 century AD which belongs to Veera Ballala II.  It comes under National Archaeological Survey of India which is a protected monument. These two temples are built using soap stone and has a quite a big entrance and the whole temple is carved intricately which say a lot about the craftsmanship of those days.

This is a very less known temples among the Hoysala Temples of Hassan district. These two temples are built side by side in one complex and the walls outside have very unique carvings around the temples. One Temple among the two is dedicated to Lord Shiva (i.e. Nageshwara temple) and another one is Vishnu temple (Chennakeshava). There is not much inscriptions about this place in the temple premises but only one inscription near the doorway of the temple can be seen. We cannot see the name of the sculptors in these temples which are found in most of the Hoysala temples.

The Chennakeshava temple has a beautiful image of 6 foot Lord Chennakeshava which is a best example of standing cult image of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is accompanied by Bhoodevi and Sridevi. The Nageshwara temple.  This temple has sculptures of Garuda, Keshava, Janardana, Venugopala, Madhava also.The Nageshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities residing there are Chamundeshwari, Saptamathrike, Ganapati, Sharada etc. 

This place is not on the main road so its a bit difficult to find the temple as it is little inside to the main road but it is a worth visit if come to Hassan and surrounding places. I would personally recommend this temple for every History Students out there!. Its quite a marvel and a gem that has been found in this place.