Why in news?

• The rathotsava at the 900-year-old Chennakeshava temple of Belur in Karnataka began with the syncretic tradition after the moulvi recited the Koran. The origin of this tradition is not known.
• The temple was built in the early 12th century by the Hoysala ruler, Vishnuvardhana.
• Built with soapstone, the temple features a very detailed finish.
• Enclosed by a Prakara with a Gopura built in the Vijayanagar style, the temple stands on a platform or Jagati and looks like a huge casket.