There are many temples in our country which tells about it’s glorius past. This temple built during Keladi Nayakas time is one of them. I am talking about Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple.
When you look from outside the temple entrace looks like a normal building, but when you step inside the temple premises you realise how magnificent it is.
The notable Keladi Nayakas’ original capital was Keladi. Later, the capital was moved to Ikkeri under Chandrappa Nayaka (A.D. 1499–1544) and to Bidanur by Virabhadra Nayaka (A.D. 1639). (A.D 1629-1645).
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History of Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple
Coming back to hsitory of Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple. The temple was built during 1500 AD and is an fantastic example of the temple architecture of that time.
Chowdappa Nayaka, the monarch of Nayaka, ordered the construction of the temple. The Hoysala-Dravidian style of architecture was used to build the temples in Ikkeri and Keladi, which were once under the control of the Nayakas, a Vijayanagara Dynasty branch.
You’ll be spellbound by the intricate and beautiful wooden carvings inside and outside the temple that depict different stories. A 24 foot high pillar in the backyard has a carving of a woman paying homage to lord Ganesha that is thought to be of Keladi queen Chennamma, who gallantly fought Aurangzeb, the mugal ruker.
The Keladi Rameshwara Temple, more often known as Rameshwara Temple, and honours the magnificent past of the empire by showcasing the rich traditions, culture, and artwork of the time.
Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple architecture
This 16th-century temple welcomes you inside its well-kept grounds, where the main temple features a Garbhagriha with Mukhamandapa and Mahamandapa.
The Rameshwara temple has a Nandi standing in front of Lord Shiva. These mandapas are shared by Lord Veerabhadra and Rameshwara. Just beyond the Veerabhadra temple, the temple is situated on a raised platform with a tall Dwajasthambam. On this Dwajasthambam, Lord Shiva’s chariot, Nandi, is seated.
The Veerabhadra temple’s interior features some breathtaking examples of handiwork, including buildings of many different creatures, including lions, tigers, elephants, horses, and numerous birds. The Gandaberunda on the sanctuary ceiling is exquisitely sculpted.
The two-headed bird known as Gandaberunda, which represents strength and power, was an emblem of the Keladi Empire, the Wadiyars of Mysore, and the Vijayanagara Kings. The majority of Karnataka’s historic structures and monuments bear this Gandaberunda emblem. The Archaeological Survey of India looks after and protects the temple even though it is still in use.
How to reach Keladi ?
Keladi is situatted in Shivamoga district of Karnaraka. Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple is around 80Kms from the main town of Shimoga.
The best way to reach Keladi is by road. You can reach Shivamogga by road, air, or rail.
By Air
The closest domestic and international airport is at Mangaluru. Keladi is roughly 200 kilometres from Mangaluru and can be reached by car in 4 hours.
via rail
After arriving in Shivamogga, Keladi is 80 kilometres away and can be reached in one and a half hours by car. The drive is lovely and scenic, and the roads are in terrific shape.
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