About Madanika

Madanikas is the sculpture of a woman that displays stylized feminine features, stands near a tree by grasping a branch. These structures are also known as Shilabalika or Madanika. If you plan a tour to Belur, must visit the Chennakeshava Temple where you can witness the sculptures of Madanikas. 

These sculptures display grace, beauty, and the kind activities of women who belong to the 12th century in India. These sculptures of Madanikas represent the ideal image of a female and depicts females in various forms such as hunter, archer, drummer, musician, and dancers. These sculptures also display the ingenuity of Hoysala dynasty, where women had the freedom to choose their destiny. Madanikas are the must-visit place in the Chikamagalur tour package. 

It is believed that these sculptures of Madanikas are inspired by the beauty of Queen Shantala. In 1117 AD king Vishnuvardhanara constructed the Chennakeshava in Belur with the Madanika sculptures. The sculptures of Madanikas are beautifully carved with Bracket Figures that enhance the beauty of this temple. These structures of Madanikas were designed with the most precision. You also can witness these sculptures of Madanikas with various forms and postures of Bharatanatyam, that is sculpted with perfection. 

In Chennakeshava Temple of Belur, you can see 42 structures of Madanikas. Among these 42 sculptures, four Madanikas can be seen in the ceiling of the temple that is enriched with the ultimate architectural beauty. The other 38 structures are sculptured at the outside of the temple. Each of these Madanika figures attracts a lot of sculpture lovers towards this temple. It is one of the top places to visit in Belur.

The Madanika sculptures also have individual names such as Darpana Sundari, Shuka Bhashini, The Huntress, Monkey Pulling Saree, Thribhangi Nritya, Hairdressing, She saint, Drum dance, The Flutist, World Bewitching Beauty, etc. These sculptures display beautiful maidens in various moods that represent feminine charm and grace. 

The Madanika sculptures are considered as the best creations of Hoysala sculptors of the Belur temple. These structures are perfectly proportioned and extremely ornamented. Some of the sculptures look so delicate that you can’t believe it to be made of stone. So, there is no doubt that these sculptures are one of the best attractions in Belur.