Agrahara Belaguli - Keshaveshwara Temple

Entrance view

Agrahara Belaguli is a small hamlet located at a distance of 25 kms from taluk headquarter Channarayapatna via Nuggehalli. Keshaveshwara temple was built by Keshiraja, the minister of the hoysala King Ballala II during 1210 AD. Temple has an ample area around which has no fencing. The detailed Shila Shasana is displayed at both sides of the south entrance.

Temple surrounding premises

Shila shasana on left and right 

This temple is in dvikuta style of hoysala construction built with soapstone. The garbhagriha has Eshwara in Linga form facing towards East. The next shrine has Keshava idol facing south. The western part to be the first built and the eastern part consisting hall and pillars are a later addition during vijayanagara period.

Shivalinga

 

Keshava

Kalyani

To the north-east, temple has a beautiful pond. As you can see it needs to be maintained to attract visitors and pilgrims to the temple. The temple has ample area around which requires complete protection by fencing or wall construction.

During hoysala period, the village was called by Keshavapura. The village consists of two large ponds named Keshava samudra and Lakshmi samudra which is beside the temple and on the left side while entering the village respectively.

Keshava samudra

Exit view

Jagati wall carvings

There are two entrances to Navaranga. The main entrance is to the east and opens to the dancing hall. The second gate is in the south and has a porch that opens outside the temple. Overall, one for Shiva and another for Keshava which has dwarapalakas or guards.

South entrance

Basavanna

dancing hall with turned pillars, notice diagonal opposite are same

Dancing hall views

Turned pillar

Inside the Navaranga, it has beautiful statues of Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saraswati and Saptamatrikas. And the 9 ceilings has got intricate design and in the centre it has carvings of the Ashtadikpalakas. The sad thing I heard was that the Parvati idol have been stolen from the hall.

Ganesha and Saraswati

Kartikeya

Saptamatrikas

Garbhagriha lintel

Here, Lord Shiva is shown sitting on a pedestal and Parvati is seated on his lap. On the right is Ganesha, who is riding on a mouse, while Kartikeya is seated on a peacock on the left. Shiva's right leg is shown on Nandi's back and Parvathi's right leg is on Nandi's head. The chamaradharis and Lord Shiva's guard are shown on the sides. Brahma is shown near Ganesha and Lord Vishnu who is Shankha Chakra padma gadha, near Kartikeya.

Keshava and Eshwara

The above image is testimony to get the name Keshaveshwara Temple. There are no walls on the exterior of the temple. Although both shrines have towers, they are not Hoysala style towers. The original towers have somehow fallen apart. These towers might be later construction and they look strange.

Electric linemen

When I was waiting outside the temple for the gate to be opened, there came two electrical lineworkers who had come from Bagur Navile electrical board to repair lighting to the temple. The ugliest experience was that when I entered the temple, there was no lighting inside. Next time when you see lighting in the temple, thank these people for their work.

Palash tree

While I was driving near the temple I came across this beautiful Muttuga flower tree. Because it has got such a bright contrast color which attracts you. Suddenly I stopped my bike and went near the tree to see the flower. Then I remembered my childhood days that my father used to collect these flowers whenever we were visiting our home god which is Shiva during Shivaratri festival. This flower blooms only during dry season.

Palash flower branch

Palash flower close up view

Without second thought I collected some flowers quickly in a bag and you can scroll top to have a glance of the flowers offered to the gods.

The road condition is good and you can travel easily with a four wheeler to the temple.

The best time to visit is between 9-10 am as the priest would visit during this time. If not you can inquire the villagers and get connect to the priest for more details.

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/9zH2WyV7UZe83vn88