The ancient Hoysala era Chandramouleshwara Temple at Arasikere, Karnataka.

Chandramouleshwara Temple

This is the Chandramouleshwara temple located at Arasikere, around 180 kms from Bengaluru. It was built in the 12th century by the Hoysalas.

Nakshatra shaped mantapa

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva & is unique in many ways. The most striking aspect of this temple is the above star shaped mukhamantapa.

Defaced carvings

The base of the mukhamantapa is adorned with numerous carvings of elephants which has suffered damage as a result of repeated barbaric invasions.

Exterior of the mukhamantapa

Unlike other temples, to have a darshan of Lord Shiva inside the garbhagriha, there is no direct straight access, since this particular mantapa is star shaped. Instead there are two lateral entrances at north and south of the mantapa.

Door leading to the Antarala

The ceiling in the mantapa is divided into nine compartments. There are four intricately carved pillars that support the ceiling. The Mantapa further leads to the Antarala & eventually to the garbhagriha. Unfortunately the doors were locked when I was there. 

Shikhara

As we step outside the mantapa to perform a pradikshana, we notice this highly intricate Shikhara which is decked with innumerable carvings.

Nandi on the Sukanasi

Just adjacent to the Shikhara is the Sukanasi over which is a carving of Nandi. This is a recent addition. This space which is over the Antarala ( a space connecting the mantapa to the Garbhagriha) usually features the famous "Sala fighting the lion" carving, which also happens to the the emblem of the Hoysala empire. It was probably damaged during islamic invasions.

As seen above, most of the sculptures have suffered extensive damage. Almost all beyond recognition unfortunately. While some are defaced, some have had their limbs/arms chopped off in true jehadi style. The kind of cultural losses Bharat suffered due to islamic invasions is simply quantifiable. Seeing such a fine temple, the very zenith of our Hindu architectural prowess in such a state left me depressed & devastated 😢😢  

I realize the damage on these sculptures are beyond any kind of restoration. At best we could preserve whatever is left of it.

Venugopala

A maimed carving of Krishna playing the flute.

                                                                                 Desecrated murthis

Murthis which were once part of active worship... Barbarically desecrated & left to rot in one corner of the temple.

                                                                Viragallu 

The virakallu (hero's stone) is the first thing that you notice as you enter the temple complex. Its carved in memory of brave warriors martyred in battle.

Viragallu

More damaged virakallus having inscriptions dating back to the 11th century. Stories about absolute bravery & sacrifice.

Bheereshwara & Veereshwara shrines

There is a secondary structure adjacent to the main one. Houses 3 different lingams. Notably Bheereshwara & Veereshwara.

Nagadevatas

Carvings of nagadevatas lay beneath those trees.

Entrance/exit

The scenery that greets you as you enter/exit the temple.