Chennakesava Temple
ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ
- Consecration· ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಲ
- c. 1250 CE (13th Century)
- Royal Patron· ಪೋಷಕರು
- King Vira Someshwara
- Sanctum Deity· ಪ್ರಧಾನ ದೈವ
- Chennakeshava (Vishnu)
- Territory· ಸ್ಥಳ
- Aralaguppe, Tumakuru
- UNESCO Heritage· ವಿಶ್ವ ಪರಂಪರೆ
- State Protected Monument (ASI Protected)
The Chennakeshava Temple at Aralaguppe is an impressive 13th-century ekakuta Vaishnava sanctuary in Tumakuru district. It features a remarkably well-preserved 16-pointed stellate tower, continuous external relief friezes, and an imposing standing image of Chennakeshava holding the shankha, chakra, gada, and padma.
Sanctuary Gallery & Details
Historical Foundations of Chennakesava Temple
Constructed around 1250 CE during the reign of King Vira Someshwara, Aralaguppe was an ancient settlement with both Western Ganga and Hoysala cultural layers. The temple's vimana stands as one of the best-preserved stellate towers in the region, having survived without modern alterations. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, the monument remains an architectural treasure of the eastern Hoysala territories.
Architectural Elements & Design
The distinctive sculpture and structural innovations that define the sanctuary layout at Chennakesava Temple.
Ekakuta layout with an intact 16-pointed star-shaped vimana and shikhara
Raised jagati platform providing a pathway around the sanctum and hall
Continuous six-tier horizontal frieze bands depicting elephants, horses, lions, makaras, and hamsas
Grand central murti of Chennakeshava adorned with intricate stone ornaments and halo
Carved wall niches housing deities from the Hindu pantheon including Ugra Narasimha and Varaha
Ornately carved central ceiling with deeply undercut floral motifs
Visiting Sanctuary & Access
Operational Schedule & Entry
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free. Located in Aralaguppe village, approximately 18 km from Tiptur and 60 km from Tumakuru. The village also has an ancient Western Ganga Kalleshvara temple nearby.
Location & Transit Hub
Situated in Aralaguppe, Tumakuru district (Tumakuru circuit). Accessible via state highways with local taxi/bus links from district headquarters.
Preservation & ASI Guidelines
Protected national monument. Footwear must be deposited at the outer entrance before stepping onto the raised soapstone jagati (platform). Flash photography inside inner sanctums is restricted.
Best Hours of Illumination
Early morning and late afternoon sunlight reveal the deep relief of lathe-turned columns and frieze relief bands with minimum stone heat.
Connected Sanctuaries in the Hoysala Network
Temples linked by geographic proximity and epigraphical trade routes in the regional network.
Sacred Ring Node~50.51 kmdirectIshvara Temple
ಈಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Arasikere, Hassan
Cross Connection~57.39 kmdirectBrahmeshvara Temple
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Kikkeri, Mandya
Sacred Ring Node~61.71 kmdirectMallikarjuna Temple
ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Basaralu, Mandya
Ishvara Temple
ಈಶ್ವರ ದೇವಾಲಯ · Arasikere