The Twin Temples at Mosale (ಮೊಸಳೆ)

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.