Chennakeshava Temple, Belur – Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine

Chennakeshava Temple, Belur – Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine

This shrine is situated to the south of the main shrine. The shrine measures 124 feet by 105 feet. It has two sanctums, one dedicated to Venugopala and the other to Chennigaraya (local name of Chennakeshava, a form of Lord Vishnu). As per local folklore, a Kappe (frog) was once found near its navel. Hence, the shrine came to be called as Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine. This shrine was built by the queen Shantala Devi, wife of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana and can be dated to the same period when the main shrine was built.

The shrine is built over a raised platform. The plan is similar to the main shrine except the additional southern shrine housing the image of Venugopala. The main shrine on the west houses the image of Keshava. The pedestal of the main image bears the inscription recording the consecration of the deity by Shantala Devi. There are five turreted niches in the hall, enshrining sculptures of Ganesha, Saraswathi, Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Sridhara and Durga.

There is an interesting story associated with the Chennigaraya idol. As per legend, the famous sculptor Jakanachari from Kaidala (Kridapura) village currently in Tumkur District was entrusted with construction of this shrine. He left his native to involve in the temple building activities here before the birth of his son Dakanachari. When Dakanachari reached adulthood, he came to visit his father and noticed his father was sculpting the main image of the presiding deity.

He interfered and informed Jakanachari that the stone was defective. Jakanachari was infuriated by the advice and warned the young guy that he would cut off his right hand, if he proved him wrong. The young guy smeared the sandal paste all over the image. A particular spot remained moist. When the spot was tapped with a chisel, some water & sand along with a frog came out.

As per his vow, the master sculptor cut off his right hand before the young guy could stop him. The young guy revealed his identity to his father. As the frog (Kappe) came out from the image, Lord came to be called as Kappe Chennigaraya. Lord Keshava ordered Jakanachari to build a shrine for him in his native village in his dreams. He built a temple as instructed. Lord Keshava restored his hand. Hence, the village came to be called as Kaidala (the restored hand).