Brahmeshvara Temple, Kikkeri
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The Brahmeshvara temple, also referred to as the Brahmeshwara or Brahmesvara temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple with Hoysala architecture in Kikkeri village, Mandya district of Karnataka state, India. Along with two other major historic temples within the village, the Brahmeshvara temple is one of many major ruined temples with notable artwork in Kikkeri area close to the more famous monuments of Shravanabelagola.[1]
Brahmeshvara Temple, Kikkeri | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
Deity | Shiva |
Location | |
Location | Kikkeri, Mandya District, Karnataka, India |
Geographic coordinates | 12°45′47.0″N 76°25′44.4″E |
Dedicated to Shiva, the temple is notable for its integration of all major traditions of Hinduism – Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism, along with Vedic deities.[note 1] The east facing temple has several innovations in the Karnata-tradition of Hindu architecture, such as an ingenious mesa-makara-pattika, the bulging Navaranga mandapa, the sophisticated details in many statues and the classical Indian dance postures as sculpted inside the mandapa. On its outer walls are aedicules illustrating Hindu temple architecture from different parts of India – Nagara (north, west, east), Dravida (south), Vesara (Deccan), Bhumija (central, east) and composite forms. The carvings, state Dhaky and Meister, are of elaborate and high quality.[2]
It was completed in 1171 AD by a woman named Bammave Nayakiti during the rule of Hoysala King Narasimha I.[3] A significant portion of the artwork inside and outside temple is defaced, show signs of deliberate mutilation. Near the main temple, within the same complex is a Devi shrine with notable pilaster artwork. The Devi shrine was likely built a few decades later.[2]
This temple is managed and protected by the Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department of the state of Karnataka (monument S-KA-543).[4]