Mallikarjuna Temple at Basaralu
Basaralu
Basaralu is a small town near Mandya, Karnataka. This is home to the Mallikarjuna temple built in Hoysala architecture style.
B
asaralu is a small town near Mandya, Karnataka, India. This is home to the Mallikarjuna temple built in Hoysala architecture style.
The 6 layered frieze over which the boldly executed sculptures are installed around the outer walls. All are done in soapstone.
The 6 layered frieze over which the boldly executed sculptures are installed around the outer walls. All are done in soapstone. The bottom represents a elephants is various postures, all unique, above which is a series of horses, the next band represents lions. Above this is a sequence of mythical themes carved in sequence (like in a comics strips). The top two bands are of peacock and a mythological creature.
Basaralu
Hoysala crest- the hero fighting a lion- at the tower of the Mallikarjuna temple of Basaralu
Basaralu
A shrine near the main shrine at Basaralu
Gajasurasamhara: Shiva dancing inside the skin of the slain elephant. Note the four legs, tail and the head of the elephant.
Gajasurasamhara: Shiva dancing inside the skin of the slain elephant. Note the four legs, tail and the head of the elephant.
Road map to places near Somnathpur
Road map to places near Somnathpur
The 6 layered frieze over which the boldly executed sculptures are installed around the outer walls. All are done in soapstone.
Frieze at Basaralu
The 6 layered frieze over which the boldly executed sculptures are installed around the outer walls. All are done in soapstone. The bottom represents a elephants is various postures, all unique, above which is a series of horses, the next band represents lions. Above this is a sequence of mythical themes carved in sequence (like in a comics strips). The top two bands are of peacock and a mythological creature.
Basaralu
Hoysala crest
Hoysala crest- the hero fighting a lion- at the tower of the Mallikarjuna temple of Basaralu
Basaralu
A shrine at Basaralu
A shrine near the main shrine at Basaralu
Gajasurasamhara: Shiva dancing inside the skin of the slain elephant. Note the four legs, tail and the head of the elephant.
Road map to places near Somnathpur
Soapstone sculptures
The beauty of the Hoysala templs , particularly its intricate carvings owes a lot to one material - Soapstone. Unlike granite, sandstone and marble used in the construction of most of India's ancient monuments, soapstone is softer with some peculiar properties that set it apar from the former materials. To give you an idea , the softer version of the soapstone can be carved even with your finger nail.