Jagati, Adhishthaana and The Mythological Frieze

Jagati and Adhishthaana

The HOYSALA portion of the temple stands on a JAGATI (ಜಗತಿ) i.e., a platform. The JAGATI has the same plan as the main temple and therefore is STAR SHAPED. It has five cornices.

The ADHISHTHAANA (ಅಧಿಷ್ಠಾನ) or the BASEMENT has six cornices, the flat faces of which contain ( from the bottom upwards ), the following :
1. Elephants in procession.
2. Horsemen and camels.
3. Creeper scroll or LATAA PATTIKE (ಲತಾ ಪಟ್ಟಿಕೆ)
4. Mythological frieze.
5. MAKARAS with lions here and there.
6. Swans or HAMSA PATTIKE (ಹಂಸ ಪಟ್ಟಿಕೆ )

The fourth panel from the bottom in the ADHISHTAANA (ಅಧಿಷ್ಠಾನ ) is devoted to sculptures relating to mythology. A majority of the sculptures here relate to RAAMAAYANA. Some of the interesting sculptures in this panel are shown below.

1. South of the porch

ASHTA DIKPAALAKAS  in procession.

2. South - East of NAVARANGA

SAMUDRAMATHANA (ಸಮುದ್ರಮಥನ )

3. South - East of NAVARANGA

DEVAS drinking AMRITA

4. East of South Cell

SHIVA destroys the three cities. His army is led by KUMAARA riding on the peacock.

5. East of South Cell

GAJAASURAMARDANA - SHIVA destroys the elephant demon.

6. South of the main Cell

RAAMA shoots through the seven palm trees.

7. West of the main Cell

Monkeys searching for SEETAA, enter the SWAYAMPRABHA CAVE and reach the ocean.

8. West of the main Cell

HANUMANTA looks into a telescope and sees LANKA.

9. North of the main Cell

The monkeys bridge the ocean.

10. West of the North Cell

RAAMA'S victory is celebrated.

11. East of the North Cell

KIRAATAARJUNEEYA (ಕಿರಾತಾರ್ಜುನೀಯ ) - ARJUNA slays the boar, fights SHIVA, floors him and obtains boon.