Beginning with the Kadambas, we reach the final part of the series, concluding with the brave Nayakas and Wodeyars. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, many military governors under the empire declared independence and established new kingdoms.
Nayakas of Keladi
The Nayakas of Keladi were a fascinating group known for their warrior spirit and adventurous rule over the lush landscapes of the Coastal and hilly areas of present-day Shivamogga and parts of Udupi.
Did you know?
One fun and memorable aspect of the Nayakas' identity was their fondness for sporting large, thick moustaches. These moustaches symbolized their strength and masculinity—a statement of power that earned them respect on the battlefield!

Shivappa Nayaka (1645–1660) is the most renowned ruler of the Nayakas of Keladi. He expanded the kingdom to its most incredible heights, bravely taking on powerful foes like the Bijapur sultans, Mysore kings, and the Portuguese. Due to his courage and military prowess, Shivappa protected his kingdom and commissioned impressive temples, including the Rameshwara Temple at Keladi.
The Keladi Rameshwara Temple has an elegant entrance with beautifully carved wooden pillars. The temple complex includes smaller temples dedicated to Parvati, Rameshwara, and Veerabhadra, each with unique designs. The walls are decorated with carvings of animals like lions, elephants, and tigers, as well as mythical creatures like Ganda Berunda, adding to its charm and beauty.

The Gandaberunda is a mighty two-headed bird that symbolizes great strength. It is the official emblem of Karnataka and was once the royal symbol of the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysore. The bird is often shown gripping elephants in its claws, representing power and royalty.
According to mythology, the story of Gandaberunda is connected to a fierce battle between Narasimha, a form of the god Vishnu, and Sharabha, a half-bird, half-lion form of Shiva. After 18 days of destruction, Gandaberunda appeared from Narasimha's body. Realizing the havoc caused by their battle, Gandaberunda split into two, and peace was restored with Vishnu and Shiva returning to their original forms.

The Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore: A Tale of Glory and Grandeur
Rising to prominence after the Vijayanagara Empire's fall, the Wodeyars turned Mysore into a dazzling hub of culture, art, and devotion. Their reign was not just about power; it was an era characterized by grandeur, where their rule set the stage for the future greatness of Mysore.
Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar (1673–1704)
A fearless ruler who expanded the Mysore Kingdom far and wide! His tales of bravery are legendary; the chieftain mocked Mysore's power, refusing to pay tribute, but Chikkadevaraja’ s swift and bold actions forced the chieftain to submit. Under his reign, justice flourished, and the people of Mysore prospered.

Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1761–1799)
The illustrious Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the crown jewel of the Wodeyar dynasty! A beacon of reform and military brilliance, he ushered in an unprecedented golden age for Mysore. Under his visionary rule, the arts blossomed, and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple reached new heights of splendour. Legends whisper that Goddess Chamundeshwari graced him in a dream, empowering him with unstoppable strength against his foes.

Conclusion
And so, our journey through the Temples by Dynasty Karnataka Series comes to an end, but the echoes of these heroic dynasties, their magnificent temples, and their legendary tales will continue to inspire us. These divine warriors, through their bravery and devotion, have etched their legacy into the heart of Karnataka, leaving behind a vibrant and ever-living heritage. The temples they built stand as timeless symbols of strength, faith, and culture, inviting us to explore their stories for generations to come.
References:
- History of Karnataka by Suryanath U. Kamath
- Karnataka: A History of the State and Its People by S. R. Nandini
- The Wodeyars of Mysore by M. A. Shrinivasan
- Temples of Karnataka by R. S. N. Singh