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Janmashtami Tour: Krishna As Depicted On The Walls Of Chennakesava Temple In Karnataka

How the sculptors of this temple in Karnataka stayed true to the stories of Srimad Bhagatvatam.

Aravindan NeelakandanAug 30, 2021, 12:11 PM | Updated 12:11 PM IST

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathpura (Wikimedia Commons) 

Somanathapura Chennakesava temple , Karnataka

The temple, exhibiting ‘'trikutachala order' is considered one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

The main sanctum sanctorum of the east-facing temple houses the three forms of Vishnu--Kesava, Gopala and Janardhana.

The outer wall of the main temple is raised on a Jagati or cosmic platform. The lower part of the outer wall shows various bands depicting various historical scenes, ornamental bands and depictions from the Ramayana, Srimad Bhagavata and the Mahabharata.

Maha Vishnu on the celestial milk ocean reclining on Adishesha with Lakshmi pressing his feet.

Vasudeva with infant Sri Krishna leaves the prison Kamsa had put him in.

Vasudeva ready to swap infant Sri Krishna with Yashoda’s new-born girl child.

A ferocious feminine form arises before the infant-killer to announce his doom.

Sri Krishna giving salvation to Puthana: she got what even great Rishis could only dream.

He kicked the cart down with His tender feet.

Depiction of the humbling of Brahma by Sri Krishna.

Creator deity subdued before Sri Krishna.

Kaliya Nardhana

A closer look at Kaliya Nardhana.

Shri Krishna kills Aghasura, an Asura, in the form of giant serpent swallowing the cowherds.

Govardhan Puja: Shri Krishna makes his people worship the Govardhan mountain rather than Indra.

Govardhandhari: Sri Krishna lifts the mountain to protect the cowherds from the fury of Indra. Indra is humbled.

Killing the hoarder Dhenukasura to share the bounty of nature.

Kesava slaying Keshi, the Asura in the form of a horse. 

Balarama kills Pralambasura who attempts to kidnap Balarama.

The following panel depicts Krishna and Balarama on their way to Mathura. Krishna forcibly takes good garments from Kamsa’s washer-man. However the garland-maker Sudamana gives the Yadava heroes Krishna and Balarama the garlands and other ornaments out of love and devotion.

Attendants of Kamsa and their differing attitude towards sharing the common riches.

Kuvalayapeeda the royal elephant of Kamsa being slayed by Sri Krishna.

The ritual bow kept by Kamsa taken and broken by Shri Krishna.

Chanura and Mushtika - wrestlers slayed by Krishna and Balarama.

Kamsa killed by Shri Krishna. Imprisoned Ugrasena and others watch with relief.

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