Chanting at Chennakesava Continues to Chausath Yogini Mandir
What does one say about the Hoysala architecture?
The majestic carvings on the rocks, telling tales of the past
Vishnuvardhana won the war over the Cholas
Built the Kalasagar, to dedicate his victory
To Chenna Kesava, the beautiful Bhagwan Vishnu
Source: Lost TemplesMore than 1000 artists carved this soapstone marvel
Chiseling and polishing each murti to utter perfection
Source: VedicFeed and Siddharth Sagar
48 pillars and an intricately carved ceiling
The Navrang Mandapa houses wonders beyond imagination
The 16th pillar Mohini boasts of 16 fluted star-shaped pillars
While the Narasimha pillar brings
The ferocious deva to life on stone
As the pillar rotated on its own axis
Before the shikara was dismantled
By those who still failed to ruin its beauty
Source: Lost Temples
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Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur- Madhya PradeshNot one, not two, but 64 murtis adorn
The Chausath Yogini Aalayam
The attendants of Devi Durga, they are
Surrounding Prabhu Shiva, who stands in the midst of all
Yuvaraja II of the Kalachuri dynasty
Built the mandir as a tribute
To the yoginis who stood to protect the territory
With 84 pillars, the aalayam rose high in 1000 AD
Only to be destroyed by the Mughal invaders
Source: Hindu Temples of India
But the future generations were in luck
When two centuries later,
Queen Alhanadevi restored the structure
Building a Gauri Shankar mandir at the center
The inscriptions date by 1155 CE, proof of her faith
The largest Yogini aalayam survived and thrived
A sight for the eyes near River Narmada and Marble Rocks
Climb 108 steps, dear bhakts, bow to the yoginis
Breathing and alive in their sparkling murtis.
Source: Navrang India
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Sources:
https://www.inditales.com/chennakesava-temple-belur-karnataka/
https://www.karnataka.com/belur/chennakesava-temple/
https://www.nativeplanet.com/jabalpur/attractions/chausath-yogini-temple/
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