- Amarashilpi Jakanachari
Amarashilpi Jakanachari was a legendary sculptor credited with building many fine temples forthe
Kalyani Chalukyas andHoysala s, including the famous sculptures atBelur andHalebid u. Jakanachari was born in a small village called Kaidala, 9km fromTumkur ,Karnataka . The original name of the town as per records was Kridapura. His life was one of love and dedication to art. His career began when Nripa Haya ruled as a local chieftain of the area. He left home shortly after his marriage seeking fame in his field of work.He travelled far and wide building many temples and became so engrossed in his work that he forgotall about his wife, who in the mean time gave birth to his child, named Dankanachari.Dankanachari himself grew up to become a famous sculptor and set out to find his father. At Belur,he found a job as a sculptor and noticed a flaw in a figure sculpted by the great Jakanachari himself.Furious at this, Jakanachari promised to cut of his right hand if the young sculptor was correctin his assessment of the sculpture. Upon testing the figure, the flaw was indeed revealed and Jakanacharikept his promise and cut of his right hand. Eventually, the two sculptors become aware of their relationship as father and son.Subsequently, Jakanachari received a vision to build theChennakeshava temple in his native place Kridapura. Afterthis was completed, legend has it that god restored his right hand. In celebration of this incident, Kridapurawas henceforth called "Kaidala". The term "Kai" inKannada means "hand".Local non-government organizations in the state of Karnataka have been trying to raise funds toprotect the Chennakeshava temple at Kaidala.The government of Karnataka gives "Jakanachari awards" to talented sculptors and craftsmenfrom the state every year to celebrate the contributions of this legendary architect.
External links
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug92005/spectrum92548200588.asp Article on the life of Jakanachari]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr242004/s1.asp Article on Jakanachari state award]
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