Where a Church and Twin Temples Stand Nearby

Soumyaroop Mukherjee

Where a Church and Twin Temples Stand Nearby

The Shetthilai Church and Mosale Temples are two architectural beauties located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. These two places of architectural importance are situated very close to each other. The church, along with the twin temples in its vicinity, represents a unique confluence of architectural marvels.

Shettyhalli Rosary Church; Source: Amith Nag Photography/Getty Images

Not all churches in India need to narrate stories of colonial exploitation, nor do all temples need to tell tales of one region's victory over another. However, the stories of the Shettyhalli Rosary Church and Mosale Temples can be told in this clichéd light. The Shettyhalli Rosary Church is a 19th-century structure whose construction timeline is uncertain. Nevertheless, the entire complex is splendid and grand in its own way.

This incredible architecture has suffered a setback since the construction of the Hemavati dam and reservoir in 1960. One of the peculiarities of the place is that the church is submerged twice a year, from July to October and from December to May. However, this does not deter tourists from visiting the site. On the contrary, thousands of tourists from faraway places flock to this location to see this submerged beauty

What is unique and enticing about Gothic architecture? Generally, it is characterised by grand, tall designs that exhibit both height and grace. The Gothic architecture features flying buttresses and pointed arches, as well as vaulted ceilings. In addition to these technically impressive features, Gothic interiors are light and airy, making them especially appealing in humid countries like India.

The Mosale temple complex stands at a 42-minute journey from this church. It is an ancient temple complex situated in the little village of Mosale in the Hassan District of Karnataka. The actual name of the temple is Nageshvara-Chennakeshava Temple.

The name "Nageshwara" signifies that the temple is dedicated to the lord of the nagas or snakes. In Hinduism, Mahadeva or Shiva is referred to as Nageshwara because of his association with snakes, as he is often depicted wearing one around his neck in mythology. This temple is located in the southern part of the temple complex. During your visit, you can observe the influence of ancient Hindu mythology, where Shiva or Mahadeva is associated with the southern side, the side of the dead, or the direction of Yama, the lord of death. This is because Mahadeva is said to be roaming the cremation grounds, smearing ashes all over his body and blessing the departed souls with eternal bliss in Shivaloka.

Another temple in this twin temple complex is associated with Vishnu, as the name "Chennakeshava" means "handsome Keshava". It can be found on the northern side of the temple complex. Visitors can see not only Shiva and Vishnu artwork panels here, but also panels related to Shakti: the powerful consort of Shiva, as well as other Vedic deities. This temple is highly ornamented and incorporates elements of Hoysala temple architecture.

Who built this strategic and beautiful temple, and why was it needed? Unfortunately, the answer to the relevance of this temple complex is lost in the sands of time. What we do know is that historians strongly believe King Veera Ballala II commissioned its construction during his reign.

The Shettyhalli Rosary Church, also known as the Sathalli Church in colonial documents, is located 2 km from the small town of Shettyhalli in the Hassan district of Karnataka. The church served the needs of wealthy British estate owners and is renowned for its extraordinary Gothic architecture. The Gothic architecture movement began in England in the 1740s, and it spread to India and other parts of Asia with the passage of colonialism.

The temple appears more beautiful when people observe the shikhara, a decorative structure that resembles a newly blossomed mango leaf. The Amlaka holds a water pot-like structure called Kalasha on its top. This structure is also connected to Hindu mythology, and it is believed that a mango Pallava is placed over the water pot. Mango leaves are said to represent the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and they ward off any inauspiciousness from the home of the householder.

Any history enthusiast or travel bug can add this beautiful architectural marvel to their bucket list.

This temple is unique in that it follows a combination of both the North Indian Bhumija and South Indian Vesara styles. It is a single-shrined structure, with a porched entryway that leads to a closed square mandapa/navaranga, as well as a sanctum and a superstructure (shikhara) that resembles an ekakuta over the primary shrine (a single shrine with a top).

The entryway, called sukhanasi, is typical of Hoysala temple construction and connects the hall to the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The sukhanasi structure is particularly significant because it depicts the Hoysala crest of a brave warrior stabbing a lion, which was a mark of great bravery during their time.