Kaidala

Kaidala Sri Chennakeshva Swamy Temple is in a village called Kaidala, situated nine kilometers from Tumakuru in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated amidst the grove of trees. As it is not frequented by the visitors, it is a perfect spot to relax and dive into the meditative mood.

This temple is ancient and dates back to the Hoysala period. Though the temple is now in dilapidated condition, the beautiful encharming deity of Sri Chennakeshva Swamy shall surely attract the attention of the onlooker. The Deity was carved by Amarashilpi Jakanacharya.

History of Kaidala Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

Jakanacharya was a great renowned scultptor who was born in Kaidala. Before sculpting, he was wandering for peace and exploring new dimension of his sculpting art. While his search he met Sri Ramanujacharya, who engaged his art in serving Lord Vishnu.

Once, the Hoysala King Bitti Devaraya’s daughter was suffering from an incurable illness. Sri Ramanujacharya cured this illness and the King became follower of Sri Vaishnavism by the blessing of Sri Ramanujacharya. Sri Ramanujacharya gave him shelter and accepted him as his disciple. The king was renamed as ‘Vishnu Vardhana’.

Ramanujacharya engaged him to build temples for Lord Vishnu across Karnataka and spread the glory of Lord Narayana. Ramanujacharya commanded Jakanacharya to construct the temples on the patronage of King Vishnu Vardhana. Jakanacharya, engaged in the construction of the temples in Belur and Halebidu.

He adorned the temples with such intricate and marvellous carvings and sculptures that two eyes are not sufficient to adore them. On the request of Shantala Devi, the Queen of Vishnu Vardhana, Jakanacharya carved Deity of Lord Vishnu. Impressed by its unrivalled beauty, the King and Queen admired his artistry. But then they saw that there was a flaw in the Deity. There was a toad living inside its stomach.

Jakanacharya’s son Dankanacharya had pointed out this flaw. Jakanacharya did not accept the flaw and claimed to cut his right hand if such flaw even existed. On close examination, the flaw was found and Jakanacharya cut off his right hand.

After the completion of Belur Temple, Jakanacharya returned to his birth place and had a divine inspiration to build Sri Chennakeshava temple in his village. Jakanacharya is the main sculptor of the Kaidala Chennakeshva temple, and it is believed to be the last work by him. He carved the Deity of Lord Chennakeshava by only one hand as the other was chopped off.

One day Jakanacharya was doing bhajan with other devotees in the temple in front of the Lord. Suddenly Jakanacharya’s hand which was chopped off got restored mysteriously by the grace of Lord Sri Chennakeshava. Hence, the village came to be known after this incident as Kaidala. “Kai” means hand in Kannada language. Earlier Kaidala was known as Kridapura, Kreedanagari.

The architecture of Kaidala Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

The Kaidala Sri Chennakeshva Swamy temple was built during the reign of the famous Hoysala dynasty. An inscription found in this temple dates the temple to the 12th century.

The temple complex is surrounded by thick prakaras which look like a fort wall. The Raja Gopuram is three tired and a massive structure with beautiful carvings. It is unrivaled in its style. The Rajagopuram opens into a prakara and then one enters a big mandapa which leads to the garbha griha. The pillars of the temple are intricately carved with many sculptures. The temple has a unique architecture. On Makara Sankranti, the sun rays directly fall on the feet of the Lord.

The vigraha of Kaidala Sri Chennakeshava is installed facing west direction. The Deity is around six feet tall placed on a two and half feet pedestal. The pedestal has the carving of lotus and peetha. Devotees believe it to be the representation of Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva.

The Deity of Kaidala Channakeshava is carved out of a black stone. It has very minute detailed carvings along with a dashavatara prabhavali around. Sridevi and Bhudevi are seen on either side of Lord Sri Chennakeshava. This Deity is such finely carved that one can push a straw through its various ornaments.

The Temple Timings of Kaidala Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

Kaidala Sri Chennakeshva Swamy Temple is open throughout the year, every day. Devotees can have darshan from

morning 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM and

evening from 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM

During the public holidays, temple is open from

morning 10.30 AM to 2.30 PM and

evening from 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM.

How to reach Kaidala Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple?

The best way to reach temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get the tour organised as everything is well taken care off.

By Road: Kaidala Sri Chennakeshva Swamy Temple is seventy two kilometers from Bengaluru. Road transport can be easily availed. Regular bus services are available from Bengaluru to Tumakuru. From Tumakuru take an auto to reach the temple. Taxis are available from Bengaluru.

By Rail: Tumakuru railway station is the nearest railway station. Apart from that Bengaluru railway station is also near. It is well-connected with the important towns of India.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bengaluru International Airport.