Brief history of Thangli temple

Sri Chennakeshavaswamy and Sri Yoga Narasimhaswamy Temple at Thangali, Kadur Tq., Chickamagalore, Karnataka State, INDIA.

Historical Background:

As per archeological research and data collected from ancient monuments found in the neighbouring locations, the existence of this temple dates back to 15^th century. The village Thangali at that time, was predominently inhabited by culturally learned people called AVADHANIS and the Sri Keshavaswamy temple is believed to have been built by the Chieftains (PALEGARS) of those days. Also in existence, but ill-maintained, is one Eswaraswamy temple.

About 300 years ago, Lord Yoga Narasimha swamy idol was installed in the premises of Sri Chennakeshavaswamy temple. The rich agriculturists of the village maintained the temple and every one in the village, irrespective of caste and creed, participated in the temple activities.

Later, Thangali Seshaiengar allotted some lands to augment the revenue of the temple. Seshaiengar, Narasimha Iyengar, Birur Shamanna and Kasturirangiengar actively participated in the temple activities and sustained its maintenance.

About 60 years ago, Sowcar, Krishnaswamy Iyengar, took over the management and renovated the temple by providing good ventilation and electrification of the premises. After his demise, a SEVA SAMITHI (Trust) was formed by his sons and the family members of Late Sri Kasturirangiengar.

At present the temple is being managed by the Trust partly depending on the financial support of Thangali Seshaiengar Charities and partly by the liberal contributions made by the devotees.

Accommodation for the Arcakar and a Guest room with all facilities are the latest additions to the temple. To tide over the drinking water problem, a bore well is provided thanks to the overwhelming financial support extended by the devotees.

A beautiful garden in the front to add to the aesthetics and more Guest rooms for the devotees are contemplated in the coming years.

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Some information from Karnataka State Gezetteer.

Tangali (T. Kadur; P.1,196; A.659), 5 km south-east of Kadur town, appears to have been an ancient agrahara town of Hoysala times. It is said that once Pandavas stayed in this village and hence it was called Tangali (A place of rest). It has Ishwara temple and Keshava temple which are of granite structure. The first stands to the north-east of the village and is of about 1200 A.D. The temple consists of garbhagriha, a vestibule and a navaranga with a door way and a porch to the south. Above the garbhagriha a tower rises in the form of a stepped pyramid with a partly dilapidated stone projection over the vestibule. The outer walls of the temple are of plain slabs set on edges. The pillars of the porch are cylindrical. There are Hoysala figures of Nandhi and Saraswathi in the temple. The Keshava temple has two shrines, one of Keshava and the other of Yoga Narasimha. It is stated that the image of Yoga Narasimha, which is of the Vijayanagara period was brought from somewhere and installed here some 200 years back. But the image of Keshava is set to have existed earlier. It appears to be of the Hoysala period though its smile and pitted face are similar to the images of Palegar period. The image wears yagnopavitha. At a distance of about 3 km to the east of Tangali, is a group of rocky boulders called by villagers as Hulikal, meaning Tiger stone. On the north western face of one of the boulders several panels of sculptures are carved in two rows. The upper row consists of five nude standing figures of Jaina saints and the lower one has eight figures of seated saints. The standing figures are carved below arches which are of Indo-sarcenic character. Below the eight larger figures in the lower row names of saints are inscribed in Kannada characters, which appear to be of about 15 to 16 century A.D. Between these rows there is also a middle panel with smaller figures of four saints whose names are not mentioned.