Place: Chennakesava Temple, Belur
Travel Distance: On the way to Homestay from Bengaluru
Visit Duration: 2 Hours
District: Hassan
Type: Historical Temple / Hoysala Architecture
Overview
A ways off of 25 km from Chikmagalur, 34 km from Sakleshpur, 40 km from Hassan, 165 km from Mangalore, 154 km from Mysore and 217 km from Bangalore, Belur is exceptionally renowned sanctuary town arranged in Hassan District of Karnataka State. It is famous for the stupendous Hoysala Temple committed to Lord Chennakesava, a manifestation of Vishnu. It is the best of three Hoysala sanctuaries designated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the sanctuaries at Halebid and Somnathpur).
The Hoysala sanctuaries are known for minute and multifaceted carvings and figures with metal like cleaning. It is a standout amongst other legacy destinations in Karnataka, arranged on Bangalore to Chikmagalur course. Belur is one of the notable Karnataka visitor places and among the most well known traveler spots to visit close to Bangalore.
History
Belur was the early capital of the ground-breaking Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. According to engravings found here, Belur was in the past called as Velapuri. Hoysalas were at first heavily influenced by Chalukyas and assemble their own realm after the fall of Chalukyas. The Hoysala administration initially had their capital at Halebid where they managed for more than 150 years. Be that as it may, it was attacked by Malik Kafur in fourteenth century, ravaged to destitution and vestiges. In this manner, the Hoysalas moved their seat of capacity to Belur. Belur is among the must remember place for your Chikmagalur or Sakleshpur visit bundle.
Hoysala Architecture
The Chennakesava sanctuary is perhaps the best case of Hoysala design. It was worked by ruler Vishnuvardhana to praise his triumph over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. It took 103 years to finish the sanctuary and Vishnuvardhana’s grandson Veera Ballala II finished the assignment. Remaining on a star-formed stage, the sanctuary has three entryways. There are two additional sanctums for Soumyanayaki and Ranganayaki, consorts of Sri Chennakesava. There is a Pushkarni or ventured well to the correct side of the principle entrance. The dravida style rajagopuram at the passageway was a later expansion by the Vijayanagar lords.
Marvelous Architecture
The exterior of the sanctuary is loaded up with mind boggling figures and friezes with no segment left clear. There are around 48 mainstays of different sizes, shapes and structures, bearing declaration to amazing aestheticness. Narasimha Pillar is a case of the compelling artwork work done by Hoysala craftsmen. The principle feature of the sanctuary is Darpana Sundari or The woman with the mirror. There are four surely understood section figures on the resplendent roof that are motivated by Shantaladevi’s blessed by the gods magnificence.
Guests can see a few carvings portraying scenes of Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Upanishads. Figures of winged creatures and creatures additionally can be seen. The lovely model of Shantaladevi is set on the round stage before the hallowed place. It is one of a kind for its empty and portable adornments. The widely cut entryway of the sanctum and the enormous life size models of Lord Vishnu and different divine beings inside the sanctuary show magnificent workmanship.
Distance
Mangalore Airport is the closest air terminal, which is 174 km from Belur. Closest Railway Station is at Hassan, which is around 24 km from Belur. It has trains from Dharwar, Cannanore, Bangalore, Mysore, Shimoga and Arsikere. Standard transports employ from Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Halebid, Kadur, Hassan, Mangalore and Mysore to Belur.