Belur

About:

Location info:

Climate/Weather of Belur:

Rainfall: 110 cms

History of Belur:

The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple ( dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava , meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.

There are two more shrines here that are still in use by devotees and there is a Pushkarni or stepped well to the right side of the main entrance. The Dravida style rayagopuram at the entrance which was a later addition by the Vijayanagar kings, who considered this deity as one of their Kuladevata or family god.

The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete and Vishnuvardhana's grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari ( Lady with the mirror ) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.

This temple along with Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the Jaina monuments at Shravanabelagola are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Interesting things to do:

And if that is not enough, 17 km east of Belur is yet another visual delight, Halebeedu. The Hoysaleshwara Temple is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. Incidentally, this temple is incomplete despite 86 years of labour.
All these temples are an outstanding testimony to the unbounded patronage that the skilled sculptors received then.

Interesting things to Visit:

☀ Narasimha Pillar:
This pillar, which once revolved on its ball bearings, has a small space left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the skill. However, it is untouched till date.

☀ Madanikas:
There are four well-known bracket figures on the ornate ceiling that are inspired by Shantala Devi's well-endowed beauty. On the walls, there are 38 bracket figures of attractive, meditative, mischievous and romantic women.

☀ Shantala Devi:
The beautiful sculpture of Shantala Devi, Queen of King Vishnuvardhana, is placed on the circular platform in front of the shrine. It is unique for its hollow and movable jewelry.

Mobile range info:

How to reach Belur?

Nearest Visiting places in Belur:

☀ Doddagaddavalli:
This village in Hassan District is positioned en-route to Belur. The main attraction of this village is the Lakshmidevi Temple, built by the Hoysalas in the year 1114 AD during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana. Set amidst lush coconut plantations, the temple has a lake at its rear.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Belur:

☀ At Hassan:
Hotel Amblee Palika.
Phone:66307
Hotel Hassan Ashok
Phone: +91-8172-68731

☀ At Belur:
Hotel Mayura Velapuri
Temple Street
Belur 573115
Phone: +91-8177-722209

☀ Sri Annapoorna Lodge
Temple Road, Belur.
Rooms: 08
Tariff:
Double Bed Room: Rs.150/-
Conference Hall Capacity: 100 Max.
Conference Hall Charges: Rs.300/-

Travellers Bungalow
Department of public works, Belur.
Rooms: 05
Tariff: Double Bed Room: Rs.60/-

☀ Sri Vishnu Regency
Main Road, Belur.
Rooms: 22
Tariff:
Single Bed Room: Rs. 50/- Double Bed Room: Rs.100/-

☀ Hotel Mayura Velapuri
Temple Street, Belur.
Rooms: 22
Tariff:
Dormitory (20 Beds): Rs.35 per head.
Single: Rs.135- Rs.160/-
Double Bed Room: Rs.175- Rs.200/-

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions for Belur:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Belur Nearest Attraction