Chennakeshava

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Chennakeshava	Chennakeshava is a form of Vishnu, one of his many avatars, primarily worshipped in southern India, particularly in the temples of the Hoysala dynasty. Chennakeshava, also known as Keshava, is a form of the avatar Vishnu, one of the many avatars of the god Vishnu in Hinduism. Chennakeshava means "Vishnu with the beautiful Keshava" and is often depicted with four arms holding divine attributes such as the chakra (discus), conch, mace, and lotus. Worshipped mainly in southern India, Chennakeshava is particularly associated with the Hoysala dynasty, which built several temples in his honor, including the famous Chennakeshava Temple in Belur. This temple, built in the 12th century, is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture, with its detailed sculptures and star-shaped plan. Temples dedicated to Chennakeshava illustrate complex aspects of Hindu mythology and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, reflecting the deep devotion of the Hoysalas to Vishnu and their significant contribution to Indian religious art and architecture.

Term

Definition

Chennakeshava is a form of Vishnu, one of his many avatars, primarily worshipped in southern India, particularly in the temples of the Hoysala dynasty.

Chennakeshava, also known as Keshava, is a form of the avatar Vishnu, one of the many avatars of the god Vishnu in Hinduism. Chennakeshava means "Vishnu with the beautiful Keshava" and is often depicted with four arms holding divine attributes such as the chakra (discus), conch, mace, and lotus. Worshipped mainly in southern India, Chennakeshava is particularly associated with the Hoysala dynasty, which built several temples in his honor, including the famous Chennakeshava Temple in Belur. This temple, built in the 12th century, is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture, with its detailed sculptures and star-shaped plan. Temples dedicated to Chennakeshava illustrate complex aspects of Hindu mythology and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, reflecting the deep devotion of the Hoysalas to Vishnu and their significant contribution to Indian religious art and architecture.