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Narasimha Pillar
There are about 50 artistically decorated pillers inside the Chennakesava Temple of Belur. They are all unique and outstanding specimens of Hoysala architecture. A couple of the pillars are however outstanding - the Narasimha Temple and the Mohini pillar.
Index Pillar of Belur temple Capital of the Narasimha Pillar in stellate shape. The former is peculiar for the consolidated representation of the features in the temple’s architectural elements. The Mohini Pillar is notable for the single lifesize image of a sensual nymph.
The Narasimha Pillar is also called the Index Pillar of the Belur temple. Each and every features and sculptures of the temple are carved on this pillar in a miniature form. Equate this piller with the index page of a big book. Narasimha Pillar, because the image of the Narasimha on the pillar.
The Narasimha pillar is made with soapstone using the typical lathe process, mastered by the Hoysalas. The details are then carved on the lathe finished pillar.
More on >> Narasimha Pillar ....
There are about 50 artistically decorated pillers inside the Chennakesava Temple of Belur. They are all unique and outstanding specimens of Hoysala architecture. A couple of the pillars are however outstanding - the Narasimha Temple and the Mohini pillar. Index Pillar of Belur temple Capital of the Narasimha Pillar in stellate shape. The former is peculiar for the consolidated representation of the features in the temple’s architectural elements. The Mohini Pillar is notable for the single lifesize image of a sensual nymph.
The Narasimha Pillar is also called the Index Pillar of the Belur temple. Each and every features and sculptures of the temple are carved on this pillar in a miniature form. Equate this piller with the index page of a big book. Narasimha Pillar, because the image of the Narasimha on the pillar.
The Narasimha pillar is made with soapstone using the typical lathe process, mastered by the Hoysalas. The details are then carved on the lathe finished pillar.
More on >> Narasimha Pillar ....
Soapstone sculptures
The beauty of the Hoysala templs , particularly its intricate carvings owes a lot to one material - Soapstone. Unlike granite, sandstone and marble used in the construction of most of India's ancient monuments, soapstone is softer with some peculiar properties that set it apar from the former materials. To give you an idea , the softer version of the soapstone can be carved even with your finger nail.
Technically soapstone contains magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc . The content of talc is what gives the soapstone its soft property. Also unlike a lot other stones (marble for example ) , soapstone is inert to chemicals. That is neither its surface color nor the texture changes with exposure of chemicals. Even if it does, the change happens only on the surface layer that can be easily polished off.
More on >> Soapstone sculptures ....
The beauty of the Hoysala templs , particularly its intricate carvings owes a lot to one material - Soapstone. Unlike granite, sandstone and marble used in the construction of most of India's ancient monuments, soapstone is softer with some peculiar properties that set it apar from the former materials. To give you an idea , the softer version of the soapstone can be carved even with your finger nail.
Technically soapstone contains magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc . The content of talc is what gives the soapstone its soft property. Also unlike a lot other stones (marble for example ) , soapstone is inert to chemicals. That is neither its surface color nor the texture changes with exposure of chemicals. Even if it does, the change happens only on the surface layer that can be easily polished off.
More on >> Soapstone sculptures ....