Kedareswara Temple, Hassan, Karnataka India

Kedareswara temple is known for its mix of architecture. It was built in the twelfth century. It is a located a little to the south of the Hoysaleshvar temple. It has a bucolic setting. Many parts of the temple have lost its charm due to several collapses half a century ago. The frescos on the outer walls are similar to those of the other temples. There are around 180 sculptures.

On the southeastern wall there are images of Ram with the monkey army, the churning of the ocean, Prahlada, images of Ram and his brother Lakshman and a dancing Lord Shiva. On the southwestern wall there are images of Sampati looking at Lanka with binoculars in order to find Sita and a scene of the battle for Lanka. Another sculpture depicts Arjun who has to shoot a fish, looking at its reflection in oil if he wants to win Draupadi. Two monkeys fighting for fruit; Krishna and the flute; Durga dancing, Shiva as Bhairav; Mohini are the other images depicted.

On the northwestern wall there are images from the epic of Mahabharata. It includes fight between Arjun and Shiva; Arjuna saving the cows of Virat; the battle of Mahabharata; Kali, Krishna, Mahishaasuramardini Durga, Vishnu in Vamana avatar walking across the universe in three steps. On the northeastern wall there are images Manmath and his consort Rati. The temple`s sanctum sanctorum is supported by bell shaped granite pillars. The ceiling is made of concentric layers of well carved granite.

The sanctorum houses a Kedareshwara or a Shiva Linga that is made of Krishnashila, a variety of black stone. To the south of it is Brahma linga and the statue of Janardhana is situated at the north. The temple has three summits, the middle one being bigger than the other two.