November 30, 2011

Bale (Bangle) Mantapa : Yalandur

Shot @ Yalandur:
Yalandur is situated about 60 km south-west of Mysore and about 150 km south of Bengaluru.In history it was called as Ramachndra yelanbure. Later on it changed into Yalandur.It was under the rule of the Chola Kingdom of Tamilnadu in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the early 18th century, it came under the rule of Wodeyars of Mysore.

The temple was built in 1550 A.D during the regin of Devahupala of the Chola dunasty. This was rebuilt in 1654 -1655 by Muddabhupa, grand son Devabhupala, as the old temple was highly dilapidated. Temple has unique features which makes it very special from the others, there is no tower in the entrance instead you can see a gate called Bale Mantapa (Bangle entrance) which is exquisitely stone carved themes, on the walls and pillars. Monolithic stone chains - 20cm each decorated in the 4 corners and the door side of the entrance which gives the name Bale (Bangle) Mantapa to the temple entrance.


Bale (Bangle) shaped stone chains - 20cm each carved on a single stone