Keladi

The Rameshwara Temple located in the temple town of Keladi, about 8 km away from Sagar, is another fine example of Dravidian architecture from the post-medieval Nayaka Dynasty. This temple was built by Chowdappa Nayaka, the first ruler of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty. Him being devout worshipper of Lord Shiva, the temple houses idols of Devi Parvati, Lord Rameshwara and Lord Virabhadra. What makes this temple exquisite is the brilliant stone carvings on pillars and roofs, intricate and out of the world. When you visit such a place, you get is transported back in time. Keladi is a very old village. It has land records from the Keladi times. The village roads are so well organized and reflect the organization of society in those times—a lane for the Brahmins, stables for the horses, and what not. A well-constructed water pond with perfect drainages, where all the excess water in the monsoon drains into this pond, this is quite central to the village. When you walk through the streets of Keladi it’s not difficult to imagine life in those times. Some of the really old houses have a typical courtyard, a well-spaced outside verandah, solid wood pillars with some carving reflect the passage of time almost naturally. The people are friendly and welcoming, but mind you they are slightly conservative; so you want to be well dressed and courteous if you wish to hear tales about Keladi and its olden days.