About Chennakeshava Temple

Chennakeshava Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. This temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It took more than a century to complete, and subsequent rulers and their descendants contributed to its construction.

The temple was consecrated by the Hoysala King Veera Ballala II in 1157 AD. Over the years, the Chennakeshava temple has been attacked and vandalised many times, resulting in the destruction of its structure. However, it has been restored and renovated several times to preserve its architectural beauty. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tourists and devotees from all over the world.

What is the speciality of Chennakeshava Temple?

The Significant speciality of visiting the Chennakeshava Temple is its beautiful architecture, as it is renowned for its intricate carvings, sculptures and ornate decorations. The temple has more than 600 statues of gods, goddesses and other legends, including the 4-meter-high statue of Vishnu, which is considered one of the sacred statues in South India. The walls of the temple are decorated with sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. This is a temple exclusive for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. One interesting fact about the Chennakeshava Temple is that the temple is believed to have been built at the sacred spot where Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared in the form of a boar. The interior of the temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu.

• Entry \ Darshan time: 9 AM to 5.30 PM.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Festivals in Chennakeshava Temple: The festival of Chennakeshava Divya Brahma Rathotsava begins with Quran recitation.
• Dress code: No strict dress code as such, but modest clothing for both men and women, which includes Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
• How to Reach Chennakeshava Temple: Mangalore airport is the nearest to reach the Chennakeshava Temple. The drive from Mangalore airport to Chennakeshava Temple covers about 207 km.