Wall friezes and sculptures

Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Friezes on the south wall, p13

The richly sculptured exterior of the temple includes sculptures and iconography and horizontal friezes covering the entire external walls. The temple is remarkable for its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes as well its iconography, inscriptions and history. The temple artwork depicts scenes of secular life in the 12th century, dancers and musicians, as well as a pictorial narration of texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas through numerous friezes. There are supposed to be nearly 4000 carvings in the temple.

Below is a wall relief of Ravana lifting the Kailash Parvat. Shiva-Parvati sitting on top can be seen in the background. The external walls feature 80 such large reliefs around the temple. A profusion of such large reliefs and sculptures adorn the external walls.

Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Ravana lifting Kailash Parvat, p14
Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Large reliefs on the external walls, p15
Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Large sculptures along the external walls, p16
Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Madanikas (dancers) under the roof eaves, p17

The artwork can be seen during the circumambulation of the temple over the jagati platform in horizontal bands. The bottom band is of elephants with different expressions, symbolically supporting the entire structure.

Above it is an empty layer, followed by cornice work with a periodic lion face. Above it is another band of scroll and then cornice band, except at the back of the temple where a row of horsemen in various riding positions are depicted.

Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Carved horizontal bands around the temple, p18

The fifth carved band is of small figurines, mostly females with various expressions facing the viewer, while periodically the band includes Yakshas who face towards the inside of the temple. This layer also has numerous dancers and musicians, as well as professionals with their tools. The band above has pilasters between some of which are carved secular figures mostly females and couples.

Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Detailed carvings on the horizontal bands, p19
Chennakeshava temple, Beluru, Carvings on the external walls, p20

A nature and creepers band wraps the temple above the pilaster band, with scenes of the Ramayana epic included in this band. Above this layer are scenes from common life depicting kama, artha and dharma. Included here are couples in courtship and eroticism, followed by couples with children, economic and festive activities.

Above these bands is the later construction that added 10 perforated stone windows and screens to the north side and 10 to the south side of the temple.

Continue: Sculptural extravaganza