<p>Among the several Hoysala temples in Hassan district is the lesser-known temple complex at Mosale. Two temples stand side by side in the complex a few feet apart. Surrounded by a wall, the twin temples exhibit many similarities except for the deities in the sanctum sanctorum and the images on the exterior walls. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The temple on the south is dedicated to Shiva and the one on the north to Vishnu with names Nageshvara and Chennakeshava respectively. This particular feature makes the temple complex unique among the Hoysala temples. The only other place where we find such twin temples is at Marale in Chikkamagaluru district. <br /><br />There is no inscription in Mosale to give us an idea about the period of construction and the people responsible for it. The only inscription standing in front of the Chennakeshava Temple, near the doorway, mentions about some endowments granted to the temple in 1578 AD in honour of 2 people. From their style and architectural character, the twin temples are assigned to 12th century, the period of Vira Ballala II. <br /><br />Both the temples have graceful towers, with a figure of Hoysala crest atop each of them. The towers of these ekakuta temples are in good condition. The Sala (slaying the tiger) figures stand on a projection above the sukhanasi ceiling of the temples. They stand in front of each other and make for a beautiful image when viewed against the blue sky. The beautifully sculpted kalashas at the top of the apex of the shrines further enrich the completeness of the 2 temples. On the towers, the dancing figures of the gods, to whom the temples are dedicated, are seen.<br /><br />The twin temples are built with the standard features of Hoysala architecture, but they are distinctive because of the names of some of the deities mentioned below the carvings. <br /><br />Unlike in other Hoysala temples like Somanathapur, these carvings do not reveal the names of their sculptors. Only a keen observer can see a lone mention of the name of a sculptor. On the other hand, temples of a later period do not mention the names of deities on any of the carvings. All the ceilings of the temples are intricately carved with complex patterns and designs. The sanctum sanctorum lintel in the Vishnu temple has the image of Gajalakshmi. <br /><br />The well-executed image of 6-foot high Chennakeshava is accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi on the sides below. The outer walls of the Shiva temple has interesting carvings of Shiva in different forms. Most of them are unfortunately damaged. On the lintel in the sukhanasi is a small image of Shiva and Parvathi with their vehicle Nandi and chouri-bearers. Shiva, in the linga form, stands on a pedestal inside the sanctum sanctorum.<br /><br />Amidst the greenery and a tank a little away, the rare temple complex stands distinctively among the Hoysala temples inviting visitors not to miss Mosale, a perfect place to pay obeisance to Vishnu and Shiva together.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Among the several Hoysala temples in Hassan district is the lesser-known temple complex at Mosale. Two temples stand side by side in the complex a few feet apart. Surrounded by a wall, the twin temples exhibit many similarities except for the deities in the sanctum sanctorum and the images on the exterior walls. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The temple on the south is dedicated to Shiva and the one on the north to Vishnu with names Nageshvara and Chennakeshava respectively. This particular feature makes the temple complex unique among the Hoysala temples. The only other place where we find such twin temples is at Marale in Chikkamagaluru district. <br /><br />There is no inscription in Mosale to give us an idea about the period of construction and the people responsible for it. The only inscription standing in front of the Chennakeshava Temple, near the doorway, mentions about some endowments granted to the temple in 1578 AD in honour of 2 people. From their style and architectural character, the twin temples are assigned to 12th century, the period of Vira Ballala II. <br /><br />Both the temples have graceful towers, with a figure of Hoysala crest atop each of them. The towers of these ekakuta temples are in good condition. The Sala (slaying the tiger) figures stand on a projection above the sukhanasi ceiling of the temples. They stand in front of each other and make for a beautiful image when viewed against the blue sky. The beautifully sculpted kalashas at the top of the apex of the shrines further enrich the completeness of the 2 temples. On the towers, the dancing figures of the gods, to whom the temples are dedicated, are seen.<br /><br />The twin temples are built with the standard features of Hoysala architecture, but they are distinctive because of the names of some of the deities mentioned below the carvings. <br /><br />Unlike in other Hoysala temples like Somanathapur, these carvings do not reveal the names of their sculptors. Only a keen observer can see a lone mention of the name of a sculptor. On the other hand, temples of a later period do not mention the names of deities on any of the carvings. All the ceilings of the temples are intricately carved with complex patterns and designs. The sanctum sanctorum lintel in the Vishnu temple has the image of Gajalakshmi. <br /><br />The well-executed image of 6-foot high Chennakeshava is accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi on the sides below. The outer walls of the Shiva temple has interesting carvings of Shiva in different forms. Most of them are unfortunately damaged. On the lintel in the sukhanasi is a small image of Shiva and Parvathi with their vehicle Nandi and chouri-bearers. Shiva, in the linga form, stands on a pedestal inside the sanctum sanctorum.<br /><br />Amidst the greenery and a tank a little away, the rare temple complex stands distinctively among the Hoysala temples inviting visitors not to miss Mosale, a perfect place to pay obeisance to Vishnu and Shiva together.<br /><br /></p>
