Apart from historians, even the public are aware of the temple and are ardent devotees of Channakeshava Swamy.

A couple of years back, the temple was in the news, for being attacked and damaged by miscreants. The hands of the main idol of this historically famous temple, sculpted by the famous architect Jakkanachari, had been targeted by the miscreants that has taken away from the historic splendour that is our pride.

The people of this region strongly believe in the fact that architect Jakkanachari, who has sculpted the world famous temples in Belur, belonged to Kaidala.

Legends of time

According to beliefs, the famous sculptor had lost his hands and had again regained them, after he sculpted the famous Channakeshava idol in Kaidala.

Hence, the name ‘Kaidala’ to this place, people feel. However, there are no clear historical records to prove peoples’ beliefs.

Also, there is nothing to prove the fact that Jakkanachari belonged to this place, neither in literature nor in edicts. However, this small village has become famous only due to Jakkanachari.

Infact, there is another place called Kaidala, in Tiptur taluk. However, that place does not carry a story like this.

Capital of Rashtrakutas

Kaidala was the capital of Marugalenadu region, which was as vast as Tumkur, Kunigal and Gubbi taluks put together, then, during the 9th century. Krishna, son of the famous king Amoghavarsha Nrupatunga of Rashtrakutas, had gone against his father and had come to Kaidala in hiding, in 872 AD. In 1,150 AD the Samanta of Hoysalas Gooli Baachideva had made Kaidala his capital and had ruled for several years.

Construction

Upset over the various tradegies in his family, he constructed several temples in Kaidala, including the Channakeshava, Gangadhareshwara, Chalavareeshwara, Rameshwara temples and many more.

He also constructed various tanks in Kaidala, Dibburu, Kittagali, Bheemasamudra, Mudugere, etc and encouraged agriculture, according to the historical records.

Detailed craft

The Channakeshava temple, which was constructed during his regime and the Keshava idol, installed in the sanctum sanctorum, have become world famous. The idol of Lord Garuda is two and a half feet high and adorns a crown with his wings spread open, and his hands joined for the services of Lord Channakeshava. Lord Garuda has knelt down, and on the Garuda Peetha, the idol of Lord Channakeshava has been installed. This idol is 5 feet high and 6 inches wide. The idol has been sculpted with some of the best features and forms, ever available in the world.

Resplendent best

On the right side the idol, the idols of Shridevi and Bhoodevi on the left side, have been installed.

According to art critics, the Channakeshava Swamy idol in Kaidala is more beautiful than the Channakeshava idol in Belur that has had many visitors fawing over the the detailed craftsmanship.

The deities look in their resplendent best, when decorated. In the year 1748, the temple and its idols became the target of the Nizam of Hyderabad as was common among those times when a kingdom was invaded.

Reinstated

The temple and its idols were damaged and on an appeal made by the people here, and on the orders of the then king of Mysore Immadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, another idol of Lord Channakeshava was brought from Gubbi-Hosalli and installed, after the pooja ceremonies were held, as per the historical records.

And after this, the idols were once again damaged two years back and there temple was again vandalised of it beautiful past.

New renovations

The temple now comes under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department and under the directions of Trustee Veerendra Heggade, expert sculptors were called for the renovation work, which would ensure that the originality of these temples and idols were maintained.

No facilities

This place can be converted into a famous tourist, has remained neglected for a long time. Due to lack of proper facilities, it is difficult for the tourists to visit this spot.

Sunrays on Sankranthi

Also, another speciality of this temple is that, it has been constructed, based on the technical and scientific background.

Every year, on Makara Sankranthi, the rays of the sun, touch the feet of Lord Channakeshava Swamy, at 5 pm, thanks to the technic on which the temple is constructed. This kind of speciality is available at the famous Gavi Gangadhareshwara Swamy Temple in Bangalore that also stands as a testimony to the many wonders of our Country.