A beautifully decorated ceiling of the navaranga (main hall)
Lotus bud with geometric patterns on the ceiling
The ceiling of the Navaranga has 16 finely-carved rectangular sections, i.e., the sabhamantapa (main hall) has nine sectors, and the mukhamantapa (porch) has seven sectors. The theme of the carvings is different phases of a blooming lotus bud.
As you can see from the image, the ceiling is recessed with a dome-like niche and is carved with mesmerizing circular patterns at different levels of the dome. The lotus bud is at the center and the pattern at the outer most level is an octagon.
Related Images
Lotus bud surrounded by an endless knot
Lotus bud surrounded by geometrical patterns
Related Pages
Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
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