ಕ್ಷಣಪ್ರಭಾ - Kshanaprabhaa

Continuing on from the Marle Hoysala temple visit, standing next to the Keshava temple is the Siddeshwara temple , another ekakuta shrine housing the Shiva linga named Siddeshwara in its sanctum sanctorum. Also inside the temple is a slightly broken statue of Ganesha. Outer walls of the temple differ significantly from the Keshava temple in that it has carvings of Vishnu's dashavatara, and other usual carvings we see in majority of the Hoysala temples. This fact puts to question the theory of both the temples having been constructed around the same time, since their design differ so much from each other. There stands a huge unprotected inscription that might hold answers to these doubts and more details about the lifestyle during the early Hoysala period, but with the neglect from authorities reducing the temple complex to cattle grazing yard and hideout for anti-social elements, this piece of history would soon bite the dust, although, I wish something is done soon to prevent tha...

Marle is a picturesque little village situated 12 kilometers away from the city of Chikkamagalur, and is host to what could probably be the first twin temples built during the Hoysala regime. Standing next to each other, in what could easily be referred to as neglected state, the temples of Keshava and Siddeshwara, convey the religious harmony that existed during the Hoysala regime. Believed to be built in 1130 AD during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, the ekakuta Keshava temple is characterized by the floral and miniature shrine designs on the outer walls that resemble the Doddagaddavalli temple, and is devoid of any sculptures of the gods and mythological characters. Here is a small video that showcases some of the temple's features: Keshava Temple, Marle from hmvprasanna on Vimeo .