When visiting Belur a few months ago, I had come across this small idol of lord Ganesha in a small niche at the Chennakeshava temple complex there. It was a little unusual in that it depicted Ganesha as having eight arms:



The norm I believe, even in those days (13th Century - Hoysala dynasty), was to sculpt Ganesha with four arms. A visit to the 13th century Keshava temple (at Somnathpur) today, allowed me an opportunity to click two Ganesha carvings there. Although both depict Ganesha as having four arms, interestingly, the first one shows Ganesha as having “human” feet, while the other depicts him in “elephant” feet.





Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

p.s. During my visit to Belur and Somnathpur, the ambient lighting conditions, thanks to a rainy weather, were most inclement for photography of sculptures. Between not posting anything at all today and posting digitally salvaged (somewhat) versions, I chose the latter. Hope I'll be forgiven for unleashing these pictures on world at large!

Thank you for uploading these pictures!They made the day for a home-sick Belurite and avowed fan of Hoysala architecture!

By  Padma, at 7.9.05  

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Thanks for visiting Padma! I often cite Hoysala architecture as an example of leaving somthing lasting in this world!

By  Deepak, at 8.9.05  

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Hi,
After seeing some of the photos on your blog I thought you will take good pictures if you go to places like Belur.So I was really thrilled to see these photos here.One more place which you might enjoy is Dharmastala especially the museum there (It would be nice if you go there before the monsoon ends,If you haven't visited already).
Nice photos.

By  Anonymous, at 8.9.05  

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wow, nice pictures.

By  Sharon, at 8.9.05  

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Thanks Anonymous! Is Dharamsthala near Shravanabelagola?

Thanks Sharon!

By  Deepak, at 8.9.05  

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I've no idea Raul! But I'd love to find out for sure.

By  Deepak, at 11.9.05  

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