Temple Description

In Kikkeri village, Mandya district, Karnataka state, India, stands the Brahmeshvara temple, also known as the Brahmeshwara or Brahmesvara temple. It is a Hindu temple dating back to the 12th century and features Hoysala architecture. The Brahmeshvara temple is one of many significant damaged temples with noteworthy artwork in the Kikkeri area near the more well-known monuments of Shravanabelagola, along with two other large medieval temples inside the settlement.

The Shiva-focused temple is renowned for combining Vedic deities with all three of the main Hindu traditions: Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.Several innovations in the Karnata style of Hindu architecture can be found in the east-facing temple, including the creative mesa-makara-pattika, the protruding Navaranga mandapa, the intricate detailing in several sculptures, and the classical Indian dancing poses carved inside the mandapa.

Adicules depicting Hindu temple architecture from various regions of India, including Nagara (north, west, and east), Dravida (south), Vesara (Deccan), Bhumija (central, east), and composite forms, are seen on the exterior walls of the structure. Both Dhaky and Meister’s carvings are intricate and of excellent quality.

When Hoysala King Narasimha I was in power, a woman by the name of Bammave Nayakiti finished it in 1171 AD.Much of the artwork, both within and outside the temple, has been vandalized and exhibits evidence of intentional damage. Within the same structure as the main temple is a Devi shrine featuring noteworthy artwork created with pilasters. Presumably constructed a few decades later was the Devi temple.

The state of Karnataka’s Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department is in charge of overseeing and safeguarding this temple (monument S-KA-543).