6 Most Famous Temples You Must Visit in Belur

Situated on the banks of the Yagachi river in Hassan, the city of Belur in Hassan district of Karnataka is called a modern heaven on earth due to its cultural and historical significance. Previously called Velapura, the Hoysala dynasty chose Belur as an alternate capital after the subsequent destruction of Halibeedu by the sultans of north India. During their reign, several temples in Belur were built under their patronage.

Belur takes you back in time to get a glimpse into the art, design, and sculpture of a bygone era. The innovative architecture and beautiful carvings of the temples draw several thousand tourists every year. For history and architecture lovers, these six temples in Belur are a must-visit.

# Chennakesava Temple

A fine example of Hoysala architecture, the Chennakesava Temple in Belur was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. Adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’, the temple took 103 years to finish. Also referred to as Keshava, it has been an active Hindu temple since its founding. Dedicated to Shiva, this little wonder of Belur is one of the lesser-known sites in Karnataka. This temple of Belur is a testimony to the cultural, artistic, and theological perspectives of the Hoysala empire.

# Paathaaleshwara Temple

One of the most famous places in Belur, the Paathaaleshwara Temple is one of the ancient sculptures constructed by the Ganga kings. Known for the colour-changing lingam present at the temple, the place attracts thousands of tourists. Constructed by carving on stones, this temple in Belur has fantastic architecture. Standing in near ruins, this little wonder of Karnataka is an understated one.

# Kappe Chennigaraya Temple

Built by Queen Shantala Devi in 1117 CE, the Kappe Chennigaraya temple is a minor shrine located at the south of the main sanctum of the Chennakesava temple. Measuring 124 feet by 105 feet, it has two sanctums inside—one dedicated to Chennigaraya and the other to Venugopala. The idol of the deity draws several devotees every year. This temple of Belur is named after a local legend, wherein a kappe (frog) was once found near its navel.

# Veeranarayana Temple

Located to the west of the Kesava temple, the Veeranarayana temple is a small but complete temple with a garbhagriha (sanctum) and a navrang (nine square hall) with 59 large reliefs on the outer walls. Measuring 70 feet by 56 feet, this temple of Belur is dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, Bhairava (angry Shiva), Brahma, Parvati, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and others. Dating back to the 12th century, some panels depict the Bhima story from the ‘Mahabharata’.

# Somyanayaki Temple

Located at the southwest of the Chennakesava, Somyanayaki temple is a small temple dedicated to Somyanayaki (a form of the goddess Lakshmi). Dating back to the 12th century, this temple of Belur is notable because its tower is a miniature version of the major tower that once rose above the main Kesava temple.

# Andal Temple

Also called the Ranganayaki shrine, the Andal temple is located at the northwest of the Chennakesava temple. Decorated with artwork such as nature and elephants, this temple of Belur also displays 31 large images of deities from the Shaktism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism traditions of Hinduism. Friezes showing legends from the ‘Puranas’ as well as intricate carvings of Venugopala, Mohini and Lakshmi can be found here.