This is another historical place, which is just a two hour drive from the city in Tumkur district, as many of aren’t aware this district has most wonderful places to explore, which can entertain the spiritual lovers, architecture and historians, trekkers and wildlife lovers. There are many cycling routes across the countryside and beautiful roads. Today, let’s explore the Kaidala, this is the birthplace of a great Indian legendary sculptor Sri Amarashilpi Jakanachari, his works are credited with building many fine temples for the Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas.

History:

Jakanachari was born in a small village called Kaidala, 9 km from Tumkur, 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 forgot all about his wife (Info courtesy: Wikipedia)

Jakanachari and his son

Jakanachari’s wife gave birth to his child, named Dankanacharya. Dankanacharya 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 Jakanacharya himself. Dankanacharya told Jakanacharya that the stone which he was carving had a toad living inside which was a considered to be a flaw by the sculptors. Furious at this, Jakanacharya challenged to cut off his right hand if the young sculptor was correct in his assessment of the sculpture. Dankanacharya chiselled the place where the flaw was present and a toad jumped out with a little water flowing from that spot. Upon testing the figure, the flaw was indeed revealed and Jakanacharya kept his promise and cut off his right hand. Eventually, the two sculptors become aware of their relationship as father and son.

Chennakeshava temple.

Subsequently, Jakanacharya received a vision to build the Chennakeshava temple in his native place Kridapura. After this was completed, legend has it that God restored his right hand. In celebration of this incident, Kridapura was henceforth called Kaidala. The term Kai in Kannada means “hand”.^[1] Local non-government organizations in the state of Karnataka have been trying to raise funds to protect the Chennakeshava temple at Kaidala