young man found the temple of Chenna Kesava in course of erection and—as the story goes—remarked that one of the images had a blemish. As this would be fatal to its claim as an object of worship, the architect, who was no other than Jakanāchāri himself, hastily vowed to cut off his right hand if any defect could be found in an image he had carved. To test the matter the image was covered with sandal paste, which dried on every part save round the navel. In this on examination was found a cavity the son had detected, containing a frog and some sand and water. Mortified at this result, Jakanāchāri cut off his right hand, and enquiries as to who his critic was led to the unexpected discovery of their mutual relationship. Subsequently Jakanāchāri was directed in a vision to dedicate a temple to the god Kesava at Kridāpura, his native place. Thither he accordingly returned, and no sooner was the temple completed than his right hand was restored.” B. L. Rice, Mysore Gazetteer, 2nd ed. 1897, vol. ii. p. 185 et seq.
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Prentice Pillars: the Architect and his Pupil.
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