The Twin Temples at Mosale (ಮೊಸಳೆ)

The NAVARANGA of the temple is beautiful and has niches with lovely towers. The images contained in the niches are : LAKSHMEENAARAAYANA (ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ), aaseena ANIRUDDHA ( G -S-P-C ), aaseena SARASVATEE, GANESHA (ಆಸೀನ ಸರಸ್ವತೀ, ಗಣೇಶ)four armed sthaanaka LAKSHMEE ( Padma, chakra, shankha, phala ), four armed aaseena LAKSHMEE ( paasha, shankha, chakra, kalasha ), and YOGAANARASIMHA. There are nine BHUVANESHVARIS each with a different design. Beginning from the east and going clockwise they are :  1. Concentric circles. 2. Concentric sixteen stars. 3. Concentric octagons 4. Concentric SRICHAKRAS (ಶ್ರೀಚಕ್ರ) 5. Concentric octagons. 6. Concentric squares. 7. Concentric eight-pointed stars. 8. Concentric octagons. 9. Central Bhuvaneshvari - three concentric rows of horse-shoe arches  with a PADMA and a pendant. Note : photography not allowed inside The NAVARANGA

The Tower etc., of the Temple The eaves, the parapet, and the VIMAANA(ವಿಮಾನ) are all very similar to the temple adjacent to it i.e., NAGESHVARA, except that most of the images found on these parts are VAISHNAVA (ವೈಷ್ಣವ).

Wall Images - Part  10 This is the last part of the external wall and it has just four images. Except the first image, the rest are damaged. The images are :  1. JANAARDANA (ಜನಾರ್ದನ) ( C-S-G-P ). 2. LAKSHMEE. 3. KAALINGAMARDANA (ಕಾಳಿಂಗಮರ್ದನ) 4. VAAMANA.

Wall Images  - Part  9 Twelve images ( some of them badly damaged ) and a niche are found on this portion of the wall. They are :  1. BALI and VAAMANA (ಬಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ವಾಮನ) 2. GARUDA. 3. Aaseena HARI (ಆಸೀನ ಹರಿ) ( C-P-G-S ) 4. DAKSHINAAMOORTI. 5. MOHINEE. 6. Sthaanaka ACHYUTA (ಸ್ಥಾನಕ ಅಚ್ಯುತ ) ( P-C-S-G ). NORTH NICHE with a female attendant on either side. 7, 8, 9. Damaged images. 10. Aaseena PAARVATEE (ಆಸೀನ ಪಾರ್ವತೀ) 11. BRAHMA (ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ) ( images 10 and 11 are damaged ). 12. Aaseena LAKSHMEENAARAAYANA (ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀನಾರಾಯಣ)

Wall Images - Part  8 This small wing has four images and they are : 1,2,3. SANKASHANA (ಸಂಕರ್ಷಣ) ( S-P-C-G ) in the centre with a consort on either side. 4. TRIVIKRAMA (ತ್ರಿವಿಕ್ರಮ)

Wall Images - Part  7 This portion of the wall is decorated with thirteen images namely : 1. Aaseena SREEDHARA (ಆಸೀನ ಶ್ರೀಧರ ) ( C-G-S-P ). 2. GARUDA. 3,4,5,6,7. NAARAAYANA (ನಾರಾಯಣ) ( P-G-C-S ) is seen seated in the centre of this block with a consort and an attendant on either side. 8. Image is missing. 9. Sthaanaka MAADHAVA ( C-S-P-G ). 10,11,12. Aseena GOVINDA (ಆಸೀನ ಗೋವಿಂದ)( G-P-S-C ) in the centre with an attendant on either side. 13. GARUDA.

Wall Images - Part 6 The sixth part of the wall has nine images. They are : 1. Sthaanaka MAADHAVA (ಮಾಧವ) ( C-S-P-G ). 2. GARUDA. 3,4,5,6,7. VISHNU (ವಿಷ್ಣು)is seen seated in the centre ( 5th image ) as VARADARAAJA (ವರದರಾಜ) with a consort and an attendant on either side. 8. GARUDA. 9. Aaseena MAADHAVA.

Wall Images - Part 5 Twelve images are found in this part of the wall namely: 1.DAKSHINAAMURTI (ದಕ್ಷಿಣಾಮೂರ್ತಿ) 2.Nritya MOHINI (ಮೊಹಿನೀ) 3, 4, 5. sthaanaka VISHNU (ಸ್ಥಾನಕ ವಿಷ್ಣು) (5) with GARUDA to the right and LAKSHMEE (ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ) to the left. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 .YOGAANARASIMHA (8) with SRIDEVI and an attendant to the right and BHOODEVI and an attendant to the left. 11. HANUMANTA grinning( face turned back) 12. Sthaanaka ANIRUDDHA (ಸ್ಥಾನಕ ಅನಿರುದ್ಧ) ( G-S-P-C )

Wall Images - Part 4 Five images adore this portion of the wall. They are : 1. Aaseena KRISHNA   ( S-G-P-C ). 2. A woman with a chamara in her right hand. 3. GOVARDHANAGIRIDHAARI (ಗೋವರ್ಧನ ಗಿರಿಧಾರಿ) 4. Sthaanaka VISHNU (ವಿಷ್ಣು), with two broken hands ( probably KESAVA ). 5. GARUDA.

Wall Images - Part 3 There are six images in this part ( apart from the lady with a chamara which is part of the niche).The images are: 1. PRAHLAADA (ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದ) with flowers. 2. UGRA NARASIMHA. 3. GARUDA(ಗರುಡ). damaged. 4. JANAARDANA (ಜನಾರ್ದನ) ( C - S - G - P ) 5. A woman holding a chamara. female figure. 6. Aaseena MAADHAVA (ಆಸೀನ ಮಾಧವ ) ( C - S - P - G ).The mace is broken.

South niche of the temple This is an empty but beautiful niche found on the wall facing south. On either side of the niche is found a lion slaying an elephant. A woman with a chamara in her right hand is also seen.

Wall Images - Part 2 Seven images adorn this portion of the wall. They are: 1. SANKARSHANA (ಸಂಕರ್ಷಣ) ( S - P - C - G ) 2. BHOODEVI (ಭೂದೇವಿ) ready to garland VARAAHA. 3. DHARANEE - VARAAHA (ಧರಣೀ ವರಾಹ) 4. KAALINGAMARDANA (ಕಾಳಿಂಗಮರ್ದನ) 5. A female figure   (RAADHAA ? ) (ರಾಧಾ) 6. VENUGOPAALA ( ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲ) 7. A woman holding a Chamara(ಚಾಮರ)

Wall Images - Part 1 There are four images in this part namely : 1. RATI (ರತಿ) 2. MANMATHA (ಮನ್ಮಥ ) 3. GARUDA (ಗರುಡ) 4. KESHAVA (ಕೇಶವ) ( S-C-G-P )

The images on the walls of this temple are mostly VAISHNAVA (ವೈಷ್ಣವ). For the sake of convenience the outer walls of the temple are divided into several sections or parts. Beginning from the south of the east doorway and proceeding clock-wise the following images (from your right to left) may be identified.

Channakeshava Temple, Mosale If you stand facing the twin temples, the temple to your right ( see the picture above ) is the one dedicated to KESHAVA (ಕೇಶವ). This temple is very similar to the NAGESHVARA TEMPLE  in design. However, the landing and the basement of the MUKHA MANTAPA (ಮುಖ ಮಂಟಪ) are slightly different from the NAGESHVARA TEMPLE.

The jambs of the SHUKANAASI doorway have JAALANDRAS (ಜಾಲಂದ್ರ) i.e., perforated screens. Below the JAALANDRAS are found RATI and MANMATHA (ರತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಮನ್ಮಥ ). Above the lintel is found an UMAAMAHESWARA ( ಉಮಾಮಹೇಶ್ವರ) group. In the ceiling can be seen a TAANDAVA GANAPATI (ತಾಂಡವ ಗಣಪತಿ) surrounded by nine PADMAS. The GARBHAGRIHA houses a medium - sized LINGA with a flat head. The doorway of the GARBHAGRIHA has well carved floral bands and on the lintel is found GAJALAKSHMEE (ಗಜಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ)

The ceiling of the NAVARANGA has nine BHUVANESHVARIS (ಭುವನೇಶ್ವರಿಗಳು). They are, from the east ( clockwise ) : 1. Three concentric circles. 2. Two concentric octagons. 3. Three concentric squares. 4. Two concentric SRI-CHAKRAS (ಶ್ರೀಚಕ್ರ). 5. Three concentric rows of horse-shoes. 6. Three concentric squares. 7. Three concentric circles. 8. Two concentric eight-rayed stars. 9. The central BHUVANESHVARI which in its lower part has SHAIVA images, dancers and musicians, and SALA (ಸಳ) groups. In the upper part are found four concentric rows of horse-shoes with angles as alternate petals.

Nandi in the Navaranga Note : Photography is not allowed inside. The above photo was taken from outside the door. The NAVARANGA is a big hall. Its DOORWAY has DVAARAPAALAKAS on its jambs. They are supported by chaamara (ಚಾಮರ) bearing attendandants. On the lintel is found UMAAMAHESHVARA (ಉಮಾಮಹೇಶ್ವರ). In the western part of this hall are found six niches with towers above them. The niches contain ( from the left, clockwise ) : 1. A SAPTAMAATRIKA PANEL with VAAHANAAS and TORANAS. There is an image of VEERABHADRA to the right and GANESHA to the left. 2. Aaseena SHAARADAA with AKSHAMAALA (ಅಕ್ಷಮಾಲ), ANKUSHA (ಅಂಕುಶ), PAASHA (ಪಾಶ) and PUSTAKA as attributes. 3. GANESHA  4. MAHISHASURAMARDINI ( ಮಹಿಷಾಸುರಮರ್ದಿನಿ ) with sword, TRISHOOLA, CHAKRA,  ARROW, SHANKHA, buckler ( ಗುರಾಣಿ )and bowl. She is spearing  the demon and holding the demon's hair. 6. Sthaanaka KESHAVA. In the center of the hall is a beautifully carved bull ( a photo taken from outside is seen above ).

The Porch of the Temple The PORCH leading to the temple is damaged. Its basement has a frieze of KIRTIMUKHAS, Scroll bands and a slanting railing with panels containing images of  dancers, musicians and couples. Two round pillars support the roof and on either side of the porch there is a stone bench. The ceiling has the ASHTA DIKPAALAKAS (ಅಷ್ಟದಿಕ್ಪಾಲಕರುಗಳು) and musicians with a dancing SHIVA (ಶಿವ) in the centre.

Eaves, Parapet and Vimaana of the Temple Above the wall is the EAVES which is mostly unworked. On the south-east however, figures of monkeys in various moods can be seen. The PARAPET has four tiers of sculptures containing swans, SALA  (ಸಳ) GROUP, MAKARAS (ಮಕರಗಳು) etc. The top tier has images of various forms of SHIVA, VISHNU and DEVI and include TAANDAVESHVARA (ತಾಂಡವೇಶ್ವರ), GAJAASURAMARDANA (ಗಜಾಸುರ ಮರ್ದನ ), GANESHA, YOGANARASIMHA etc. The VIMAANA (ವಿಮಾನ) has four sculptured rows one above the other. On top is a beautiful stone KALASHA (ಕಳಶ). The VIMAANA has a projection over the SHUKANAASI ( ಶುಕನಾಸಿ) above which is a beautiful SALA GROUP. The front panel facing east has a TAANDAVESHVARA.

There are four sculptures - one each - above the images of the exterior walls as mentioned below :  1. Above SREEYAADEVI ( ಶ್ರೀಯಾದೇವಿ ), is found vertical scroll bands (South Face - 4 ) 2. Above VAJRABHOOTA is found a tower in the North Indian style ( South Face - 6 ). 3. Above SADAASHIVAMOORTI is found a tower in which three tapering bands are visible ( West Face ) 4. Above CHITRADHARA (ಚಿತ್ರಧರ) can be seen a tower in the North Indian style with an ornamental tapering band ( North Face )

East Face ( after north ) This part of the EAST FACE has four images of which three cannot be identified because they are broken. The only image that can be identified is that of SHIVA standing as MAHAAKAALA with four arms. He has AKSHAMAALA in his lower right hand, DAMARU in his upper right hand,TRISHOOLA in his upper left hand and PHALA in his lower left hand. There is a Kannada inscription which reads : MAHAAKAALA (ಮಹಾಕಾಲ). This image is the first one from the right.

North Face ( second part ) of the Exterior Wall This Face has fifteen images. Commencing from the right they are as follows :  1. Three-headed seated DEVI. She has in her lower right hand an AKSHAMAALA and in her lower left hand PAASHA. The other two hands are broken. 2. Four armed aaseena DURGAA with AKSHAMAALA, TRISHOOLA, DAMARU and BOWL. 3. Four armed aseena DEVI with AKSHAMAALA, GADE ( mace ), JAVELIN and PHALA. 4. VAISHNAVEE (ವೈಷ್ಣವೀ) with SHANKHA, PADMA, GADA and CHAKRA. 5. Four armed sthaanaka SHIVA with the lower right hand in ABHAYA MUDRA. In the upper right hand is held a TRISHOOLA (ತ್ರಿಶೂಲ), in the upper left hand is held a DAMARU and in the lower left hand a PHALA. 6. Male attendant standing with a MACE in the right hand. 7. A female attendant with a CHAAMARA (ಚಾಮರ) 8. NORTH NICHE supported by a SALA GROUP on either side. 9. Female attendant. 10.Male attendant with ABHAYA and GADA. 11. Four armed DEVI. In her lower right hand is AKSHAMAALA and in

West Face of the Northern Wall A small portion of the exterior wall now faces west again. This portion has the following four images: 1. Sthaanaka DURGAA (ದುರ್ಗಾ) with four arms of which the two left hands are broken. In the lower right hand is seen a bowl and in the upper one is a bell (ಗಂಟೆ). 2. Shadbhuja aaseena CHAKRESHVAREE ( ಚಕ್ರೇಶ್ವರೀ). The lower right hand of the image is in Chinmudra. In the upper left hand is a Chakra. The other two hands are broken. 3. Chaturbhuja sthaanaka DURGAA. In the four hands are held phala in the lower right hand, javelin in the upper right hand, damaru (ಡಮರು) in the upper left hand and padma in the lower left hand. 4. Chaturbhuja aaseena Shiva with akshamaala , trishoola and damaru. The lower left hand is broken

The North Face of the Exterior Wall There are thirteen images in the North Face of the Outer walls of the temple. The images are ( commencing from your right ) : 1. HARIHARA with a DAMARU (ಡಮರು) in the upper right hand and a CHAKRA (ಚಕ್ರ) i.e., discus in the upper left hand. The lower hands are broken. 2. The consort of HARIHARA. 3,4,5,6 and 7. The 5th i.e., the central image is that of aaseena NAARAAYANA (ನಾರಾಯಣ) in SUKHAASANA. There is a Kannada inscription which reads : NAARAAYANA.  The 6th image is that of SHREEYAADEVI (ಶ್ರೀಯಾದೇವಿ). The Kannada inscription below reads : SHREEYAADEVI. The 7th image is that of a female attendant i.e., a CHAURI bearer. To the left of NAARAAYANA is BHOODEVI (ಭೂದೇವಿ) (image  4 ). There is a Kannada inscription  which reads : BHOODEVI. Image 3 is that of a female attendant or CHAURI bearer. 8. Chaturbhuja sthaanaka VAISHNAVI (ವೈಷ್ಣವೀ) who holds in her lower right hand PADMA, in the upper right hand CHAKRA, in the upper left hand SHANK

West Face of the Exterior Wall The WEST FACE of the exterior wall originally had nine images but at present only eight images are found. The images are ( from your right ) : 1. Chaturbhuja sthaanaka  MAHAAKANTHA (ಮಹಾಕಂಠ). In his lower right hand is found a sword and in the upper right hand a drum. The left hands are broken. Below the image is a Kannada inscription which reads MAHAAKANTHA (ಮಹಾಕಂಠ). 2. Four armed sthaanaka DEVI (ದೇವಿ).The lower right hand is broken. In the other three hands are seen paasha (ಪಾಶ),Ankusha (ಅಂಕುಶ) and Phala (ಫಲ). 3.Female attendant. 4. Chaturbhuja aaseena DURGAA (ದುರ್ಗಾ). In the lower right hand of the image is found Akshamaala (ಅಕ್ಷಮಾಲ) i.e., rosary, in the upper right hand is Damaru (ಡಮರು) i.e., drum and in the upper left hand is Trishoola (ತ್ರಿಶೂಲ) i.e., trident. The lower left hand has its palm in DAANA (ದಾನ) posture. 5. SADAASHIVAMURTI ( ಸದಾಶಿವಮೂರ್ತಿ) in padmaasana with three heads in a row and another in front of the KIREETA (ಕಿರೀಟ).

The South Face of the External Wall - 6 The sixth part of the South Face has twelve images. They are, from the right : 1. Unable to be identified because it is damaged. 2. DURGAA  (ದುರ್ಗಾ) ( damaged ) with a bhakta to the right and a lion to the left. 3. Sthaanaka four armed DURGAA (ದುರ್ಗಾ)- sword, spear, noose ( paasha ) and bowl. 4. SHIVA (ಶಿವ) standing as VAJRABHOOTA (ವಜ್ರಭೂತ) ( javelin, trident, drum, broken hand ). Inscription in KANNADA : VAJRABHOOTA (ವಜ್ರಭೂತ) 5, 6, 7. Female images ( damaged ) 8. Three-headed beardless BRAHMA ( damaged ). Kannada inscription : BRAHMA (ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ) 9. Three headed sthanaka SARASVATI (ಸರಸ್ವತೀ). 10. Female attendant with a chaamara (ಚಾಮರ). 11. DURGAA standing as SHAARADAA (ಶಾರದಾ) [ Chinmudra, trishoola, damaru ( drum ) and pustaka ]. 12. CHITRASENA ( ಚಿತ್ರಸೇನ), damaged. Kannada inscription, CHITRASENA ( ಚಿತ್ರಸೇನ ).

The South Face of the External Wall - 5 The fifth portion of the South face has five images namely : 1. Four armed goddess in sitting posture ( chinmudra, padma, padma and abhaya ). A cobra is seen below the goddess. ( Chinmudra is a posture  where the thumb and the index fingers are held in unison ) 2. Four armed sthaanaka MANOHARI (ಮನೋಹರಿ) ( abhaya, javelin, death's head mace, kalasha ). Kannada inscription : MANOHARI (ಮನೋಹರಿ) 3. ASHTABHUJA DURGAA (ಅಷ್ಟಭುಜ ದುರ್ಗಾ) as RAAKSHASI (ರಾಕ್ಷಸಿ). There is a KALASHA to the right and a lion to the left. 4. SHAKTI (ಶಕ್ತಿ) as VAISHNAVI (the image is damaged ). 5. Male attendant standing with folded hands.

The South Face of the External Wall - 4 SOUTH NICHE AND FURTHER proceeding further we have the following  images : 1. Goddess SREEYAADEVI with elephant. Kannada inscription SREEYAADEVI (ಶ್ರೀಯಾದೇವಿ) 2. Goddess with GARUDA (ಗರುಡ). Kannada inscription : LAKSHMEE DEVI (ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ದೇವಿ) 3 and 4. Female attendants. 5. Aaseena KAUMAARI with peacok and Kalasha (ನವಿಲು ಮತ್ತು ಕಳಶ). 6. Four armed Sthaanaka GAURI (ಗೌರಿ) ( Akshamaala, paasha, sarpa and padma ). Kannada inscription GAURI (ಗೌರಿ). 7. Aaseena MAAHESHVARI (ಮಾಹೇಶ್ವರಿ)with four hands ( Akshamaala, paasha, drum and daana )seated with NANDI. Inscription SWARI ( ಸ್ವರಿ).

The South Face of the External Wall - 3 The photo above is that of the beautiful south niche which has a SALA ( ಸಳ ) GROUP on either side supporting it. The niche which is empty lends beauty to the structure and at the same time acts as a buttress to the vimaana of the temple.

The South Face of the External Wall - 2 This portion has SHAKTI IMAGES, of which only one  ( third from your right ) is in a sufficiently good condition. This image is that of an eight armed goddess ( zoom the above photo to see the image properly ). To her left is a buffalo. The other SHAKTI IMAGES are badly damaged.

SOUTHERN EXTERNAL WALL OF THE TEMPLE The Southern wall of the temple, which is seen above has many images. For the sake of convenience it is divided into six parts sequentially. South Face of the External Wall - 1 The South Face of the wall has many images some of which are badly damaged. However, the first image is a beautiful figure of STHAANAKA SHIVA ( see the photo below ). He is four armed. His lower right hand - called NIJA HASTA - is broken. In the right upper hand can be seen a drum, in the left upper hand is a TRISHOOLA i.e., trident while the left lower hand sports an ARDHACHANDRA HASTA. On the pedestal is a Kannada inscription which reads : DAKSHINA DESHA PAALAKA (ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ದೇಶಾ ಪಾಳಕ ) ( zoom the picture to see the Kannada inscription ) Note : In the ARDHACHANDRAHASTA posture, all fingers are held straight and together, except the thumb finger which is held apart. STHAANAKA SHIVA IN THE SOUTH FACE OF THE WALL To the right of SHIVA is his consort ( the ima

East Face of the Temple The east face of the wall has four images.      From your right the images are : 1. It is not possible to identify the image as its arms are broken. 2. ASHTABHUJA AASEENA DURGAA (ಅಷ್ಟಭುಜ ಆಸೀನ ದುರ್ಗಾ) with some arms broken . A serpent is seen below. 3. Sthaanaka DURGAA (ಸ್ಥಾನಕ  ದುರ್ಗಾ). 4. Sthaanaka SHIVA (ಸ್ಥಾನಕ ಶಿವ )holding a serpent and trident. Two arms are broken. On the pedestal is the Kannada inscription NANDA ( ನನ್ದ ).

The images on the walls of the NAAGESHVARA TEMPLE mostly belong to SHAIVA (ಶೈವ) and SHAAKTA (ಶಾಕ್ತ) iconography, the temple being dedicated to SHIVA [ the images in  HINDU TEMPLES fall into three groups : SHAIVA (ಶೈವ), SHAAKTA (ಶಾಕ್ತ) and VAISHNAVA (ವೈಷ್ಣವ), respectively belonging to the three cults of SHIVA (ಶಿವ), SHAKTI (ಶಕ್ತಿ) and VISHNU (ವಿಷ್ಣು) ]. A number of images bear their names in Kannada on their pedestals but unfortunately they cannot be easily read because of the damages that have been caused to them. For the purpose of our study the temple walls are divided into eight sections based on the direction that the wall faces. The divisions are : East Face, South Face, West Face, North Face, West Face, North Face, East Face and South Face.

The walls above the basement have plenty of sculptures. The images are about 2' in height. Most of the images are placed under canopies borne on single or double pilasters above which are turrets which have an endless variety of design. Some images are placed under TORANAS (ತೋರಣಗಳು) above which rise up bands of scroll work. The photos below of two sections of the external walls of the temple give an idea as to how the images look like.

Naageshvara Temple - South Face The picture above is the South face of the temple under study. Authorities on the subject hold the opinion that the temple was built on a high platform of granite slabs. Above the platform is the ADHISHTAANA (ಅಧಿಷ್ಠಾನ) or BASEMENT of the temple which is 4'6" high. It has the usual deep-cut lines with five panels. The panels  which are uncarved are at once different from those that are noticed in the LAKSHMINARASIMHA TEMPLE at NUGGEHALLI.

It is not exactly known as to when the two temples were built. No inscription regarding the construction of the twin temples has been found. However from the form of the images, the sculptural work and the ceiling designs, all of which resemble those at the temples at HOSAHOLALU (ಹೊಸಹೊಳಲು) and SOMANAATHPURA which were built around the middle of the thirteenth century, it is guessed that the two temples under study were built around 1250.

The Twin Temples at Mosale (ಮೊಸಳೆ) MOSALE is a village which lies almost midway between HASSAN and HOLENARASIPUR, in  Karnataka. It is about 15 kilometres from both the places.  From Mysore it is about 110 kms via Holenarasipura and from Bangalore about 190kms via Shravanabelgola. To the west of the village, about 3 kilometres from the  Railway station is a rising ground on which are found the two temples : NAAGESHVARA (ನಾಗೇಶ್ವರ) and CHANNAKESHAVA (ಚನ್ನಕೇಶವ). The two temples (the photo above shows the rear portion of the two temples) resemble each other in design. They face east. If you stand facing the temples, the temple to your left is the NAAGESHVARA (ನಾಗೇಶ್ವರ) and the one to your right is the CHANNAKSHAVA. Both the temples have a GARBHA GRIHA, a SHUKANAASI, a NAVARANGA and a MUKHA MANTAPA (ಮುಖಮಂಟಪ). Both the temples have a beautiful stone tower. The temples are  built out of soap-stone and are very ornate.