Keladi
is a temple and historical town located near Sagar in Shimoga district.
Keladi
was once the capital of the Keladi rulers also called as Keladi Nayakas, a
feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire. After the breakdown of Vijayanagara Empire in
the Battle of Talikota, the Keladi Nayakas formed an independent kingdom and it
remained until it was captured by Hyder Ali. Shivappa Nayaka and Chennamma were
the rulers of Keladi kingdom.
The
main attraction of Keladi is Rameshwara Temple which is constructed in the
Hoysala-Dravida style.
Rameswara Temple
In
the outset as you enter the Rameshwara temple, it appears like a building with
a normal covered roof structure looming out in the middle of the street.
On
entering inside the complex you notice transformation into a very old
structure. The temple houses three deities, Lord Rameswara (Linga and Nandi),
Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Ganesh. The pillars are superbly adorned with
legendary gods as well as animals. At the ceiling you can find the legendary
(imaginary) two headed bird called Garudabande.
You
can also find the statue of Rani Channamma. You can observe Rani Chenamma is
riding a horse. Underneath Lord Ganesh, Rani Chenamma is paying respect
accompanied by her consorts. At the back of the temple complex that is more or
less facing the entrance a picture of vaastu sketched on full wall panel. There
exists a massive manasthamba at the
backyard of temple. This indicates the temple could have been altered
subsequently in accordance with vaastu guidance.
Museum
It is situated outside the Keladi Rameswara temple. Keladi Museum is a rich storehouse of copper inscriptions, palm leaves, coins and many more interesting antiques of the Keladi period. The museum also has the recovered idols of Hoysala and Chalukya period from the early 16th century to the late 18th century.
Nearby
Attractions
·
Ikkeri
·
Jog Falls
·
Varadahalli Sridhara Mutt
·
Chandragutti
·
Varadamoola
Routmap to Keladi
Nearest
Airport: Mangalore
Nearest
Railway station: Shimoga and Sagar
Road:
Keladi is well-connected by road network. Keladi is located at a distance of 8
Km from the Sagar town on Sorab Road. There are many bus services from various
towns in Karnataka to Sagar.
Route
Map from Bangalore to Keladi:
Bangalore
- Tumkur - Tiptur - Arasikere - Kadur - Shimoga - Sagar - Keladi
A car festival is held here in Phalguna masa on this particular day which draws the attention of a large number of devotees towards the temple.