Nageshwara and Chennakeshava Temples

The Nageshwara and Chennakeshava Temples are a pair of 12th-century Hoysala temples located in Mosale village, about 10 km from Hassan in Karnataka. Built in soapstone in the Hoysala architectural style, the twin shrines stand side by side within a single complex. Nageshwara is dedicated to Shiva and Chennakeshava to Vishnu, both featuring star-shaped vimanas, intricate carvings and sculpted pillars. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, they are notable for their well-preserved artistry and historical importance.

Visitors can expect two small, well-preserved Hoysala temples standing side-by-side in a quiet rural setting in Mosale village. Both temples are built on star-shaped (stellate) plans with soapstone walls covered in detailed friezes, lathe-turned pillars, and sculpted ceilings. The Nageshwara Temple (Shiva) and Chennakeshava Temple (Vishnu) each have a garbhagriha, antarala and navaranga. The complex is open and uncrowded, allowing close viewing of exterior sculptures, vimanas and interior stonework within a compact courtyard.

Built around 1200 CE during the Hoysala period under King Veera Ballala II, the twin temples represent mature Hoysala architecture. Constructed in soapstone, they illustrate the Hoysala stellate plan, intricate sculptural art and temple layout with garbhagriha, antarala and navaranga. The complex is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The complex reflects the Hoysala tradition of honoring both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions side by side, with Nageshwara dedicated to Shiva and Chennakeshava to Vishnu (Chennakeshava form). It is an important example of Karnataka's temple heritage and Hoysala craftsmanship, visited for both religious worship and study of medieval South Indian temple art.