BHUVANESHWARI MANDAPA

Kamaraja Wodeyar V constructed the steps ofK alyani. During the time of Krishnaraja Wodeyar I, the temple town witnessed several improvements including the several mandapas near Kalyani, including the Bhuvaneshvari mandapa were constructed during his period under his orders.

Concept

The mantapa is built on the back of the tortoise.T he headed snakei s known as Shesha, Sheshanaga, Adishesha.F ive Heads of Adishesha represents the 5 Karm Indriya and Gyan Indriya.

Kurmaraja’s (The tortoise king) head faces the Kalyani, its four feet on either sides and its tail at the rear. This represents creation, where a tortoise supportse lephants, that hold up the world and Shesha the snake holds all the planets of the universe on his hoods.

The Mandapa has seven steps at the base representing seven lower worlds. The seven layers on the roof represents the seven higher worlds.

Melukote inscription of AD 1817 refers to the construction of Bhuvaneswari Mandapa at Kalyani, by Krisnaraja Wodeyar III.

It has 16 pillars covered with beautiful carvings.T he other Mandapas around the Kalyani depict various Gods, Goddesses and instances of Hindu Mythology.

PLAN SCALE 1:100