Front view of Mavanoor Sri Chennakeshava Temple before conservation

Mavanoor · Hassan District · Karnataka

Preserving a Sacred Hoysala Legacy

Join the conservation of the historic Sri Chennakeshava Perumal Temple—an enduring centre of art, faith and living worship.

View Heritage Booklet

1274 CERoyal patronage under Hoysala King Narasimha III

₹1.08 CrGovernment grant, exclusive of GST

1913–14Recorded by the Mysore Archaeological Department

History and heritage

A Temple of History, Art and Living Worship

The Sri Chennakeshava Perumal Temple at Mavanoor is a Hoysala-period Vaishnava shrine whose surviving architecture and sculpture preserve an important chapter of Karnataka’s sacred history.

Archaeological records indicate that Hoysala King Narasimha III visited Mavanoor and worshipped at the temple in 1274 CE, reflecting the recognition and patronage the shrine enjoyed.

Read the documented history

Angled view of the temple before conservation — The temple before the present conservation work began.

Page from Mysore Archaeological Report 1913-14 — Mysore Archaeological Report, 1913–14.

Independent documentation

Recorded by the Mysore Archaeological Department

The 1913–14 report prepared under R. Narasimhachar records the Kesava and Mallesvara temples, a Kesava image approximately four and a half feet high, figures of Vishvaksena and Alvars, and a finely executed inscription from the reign of Narasimha III recording a grant by Lingayya.

The artistic heart of Mavanoor

Sri Keshava Devaru

The presiding deity is an exceptional work of Hoysala Vaishnava sculpture, distinguished by an elaborate Dashavatara prabhavali, serene expression and meticulous carving.

Dashavatara Prabhavali

The ornamental aureole depicts the ten incarnations of Vishnu and is crowned by a prominent Kirtimukha.

Sacred Attributes

The Lord bears the Shankha, Sudarshana Chakra and Gada, each carved with remarkable refinement.

Complete Sacred Ensemble

Sri Devi and Bhu Devi flank the Lord, while Garuda appears below in devotion.

“Every part of this idol reflects extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic excellence.”— Dr. Shelvapillai Iyengar

Evidence-based conservation

From Emergency Repair to Responsible Restoration

Earlier repairs helped shelter the shrine but were not consistent with the original Hoysala architectural language. The present work documents, dismantles, conserves and reinstates original stone wherever feasible.

Document

Photograph elevations, interiors, sculptures and every significant stone member.

Identify

Number reusable stones and record their original positions.

Conserve

Remove unstable additions without damaging historic fabric.

Rebuild

Reassemble original members and add compatible new stone only where necessary.

Restoration journey

Before, During and Now

Click any photograph to view it full screen.

Temple side wall before conservation — Later masonry and structural cracks

Interior pillars before dismantling — Interior before dismantling

Historic lotus ceiling carving — Historic carved ceiling

Temple during controlled dismantling — Controlled dismantling

Reconstruction work in progress — Reconstruction in progress

Temple reconstruction current stage — Original and compatible new stonework

Exterior rear and side view of the historic temple — Historic exterior and surrounding fabric

Interior stone pillars and sanctum approach — Stone pillars and sanctum approach

Interior view through the historic stone doorway — Historic doorway and interior alignment

Devotee participation

Help Complete and Protect the Temple

Government funding has enabled substantial progress. Devotee contributions support complementary work including architectural stonework, mandapa elements, sculptural conservation, drainage, lighting, interpretation and long-term maintenance.

Architectural stonework

Mandapa pillars and beams

Sculptural conservation

Drainage and site protection

Lighting and electrical work

Documentation and archives

Spiritual guidance and stewardship

Blessings, Leadership and Seva

With the blessings of

H.H. Shri Shri Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan Swamin
Jeeyar, Ahobila Mutt, Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh

Under the loving guidance and personal involvement of

H.H. Shri Shri Yadugiri Yathiraaja Narayana Jeeyar Swamin
Yadugiri Yathiraaja Mutt, Melukote, Karnataka

Mandali leadership

President: Smt. Yamuna G. S. (Jamuna Ramapriya)
Secretary: Aswin Hebbar
Treasurer: B. A. Narayan

Contact and visit

Mavanoor Shri Chennakeshava Bhaktha Mandali

Email: MSCBM@mavanoor.org
Secretary: Aswin · 98446 73290
Treasurer: B. A. Narayan · 73381 94013

Mavanoor, Holenarasipura Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka

Donor assurance

Contributions are received only through the authorised Mandali account. Please verify bank details with the Secretary or Treasurer and obtain an official receipt or acknowledgement for every donation.