Chenna Kesava & Nageshwara Temple (1200 A.D), Mosale Hosahalli, Hassana Taluk, Hassan District.

BEAUTIFUL PHOTO COURTESY MR. DEEPAK SETTY of PANDURANGA COFFEE WORKS CHIKMAGALUR





Mosala or Mosale Hosahalli, a small hamlet lies amidst the fascinating natural scenery of Hassan taluk, holds two unique temples noted for its rich architectural value.

Mosale is situated at about 12 kms from Hassan town on the Hassan-Holenarasipura Road. Old stories say that in ancient days sage Jamadagni had a hermitage in this place and the village was earlier called as Musala, which means a pestle. The two temples are good examples of Hoysala Art. The antiquities of these temples are not yet known. However, from their architectural character and style, they may belong to 13th century AD.

Constructed on the lines of Hoysala architecture, the twin temples (Trikootachala type) dedicated to Nageshwara and Chenna Kesava respectively stand side-by-side, a few feet apart, is identical in design and workmanship.

The temples made of soapstone consist of a sanctum, a sukanasi, a navaranga and a porch (mukhamantapa) with a jagathi on either side. The sanctum of Chenna Kesava temple holds six-feted Chenna Kesava idol beautifully sculpted.

The prabhavali placed behind Chenna Kesava has the images of Matsya, Koorma, and Varaha etc representing incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Sridevi and Bhudevi placed on either side of Chenna Kesava are attractive. The doorway of sanctum has a Gajalakshmi. Rangamantapa has a lotus-shaped, artistically designed ceiling carved with the figures of Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Vaayu - the Astadikpalakas sitting on their vehicle.

The Nageshwara temple has a sanctum, a sukanasi, navaranga and a mantapa. One can see a beautifully sculpted Nandi idol here. The Nageshwara and Chenna Kesava temples have an elaborately carved with intricate geometrical patters and marvel designed ceilings.

As you move around the temple, the images of gods and goddesses are seen on the walls of the temple. The exquisitely carved figures of Saraswathi, Ugra-Narasimha, Kalingamardhana, Madanika, Apsara and Giridhara are neatly arranged on the outer walls of the temple attract the attention of tourists. Each temple has an elegant tower in front, which is carved a fine figure of sala with the tiger. The creeper torana, windows, panels and pillars are very attractive.