Belur Tourism

The Hasan dominion of Karnataka is regarded as the holy abode of innumerable architectural marvels that bear the robust trademark of Hoysala dynasty. One such venue that is endowed with the auspicious presence of the Chennakesava Temple is Belur.

Belur is such a destination that proudly displays the opulence with which the Hoysalas have dominated the social as well as the religious aura of Karnataka through its many intricately designed shrines.

One such shrine situated in Belur that reflects the genius and adeptness of the master builders of the Hoysalan era is the 'Chennakesava Temple'. Roughly translated the Chennakesava temple means the 'Vishnu with stunning looks'. The Chennakesava Temple can easily be identified as the chief attraction of Belur.

The entrance to the Chennakesava Temple of Belur is exquisitely ornamented following the Dravidian style of architecture and is regarded as 'Gopuram'. Being erected in the midst of a rectangle shaped courtyard, the temple is also dowered with a four-cornered hall, a pillared vestibule and a concrete, radially arranged 'vimana'.

The humongous vestibule is aptly shouldered by pillars that are 46 in number with the exception of the 'Narasimha pillar' that is endued with the capacity to rotate about its axis freely. Each pillar is the proud possessor of exotic sculptures in the form of delectable and voluptuous maids known as 'Shilabalakis' in the regional dialect.

Another popular shrine in Belur in Karnataka that also attracts a healthy crowd is the Veeranarayana temple that was the sole inspiration of Bittiga, the most charismatic and dominant ruler belonging to the Hoysala dynasty. The temple's celestial looks are augmented by the presence of divinities like Andal, Saumya Nayaki, Kappe Chenniga and many more.