Belur was the capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebid, this is one of the major tourist destinations in the district of Hassan in Karnataka, India. According to inscriptions discovered, it was also referred to as Velapuri. The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakeshava temple, which is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by King Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Viceroy of Talakadu in 1117 AD. Legend has it that it took 103 years to compete with Vishnuvardhana's grandson completing the work started by his grandfather. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frinzes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (the Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of filigireed pillars.






How to Reach Belur

222 kms from Bangalore, 39 kms from Hassan and 149 kms from Mysore is Belur famous for its exquisite temples.


Prime Attractions in Belur

Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Chanakeshava, built by the Hoysala Kind Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.

The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal.

Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier. The 650 charging elephants on frinze around the walls outside are all different from each other.

The exotic bracket figures (Madanikas) on the walls of this temple are serene, playful and amorous; enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architecture. Inside, even in the darkness, you can see the Hand Lathefurned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendor. On the smooth circular platform in front of the shrine, you can see the beautiful Shantala Devi, Queen of Kind Vishnuvardhana.


The spotlight is now on the four famous bracket figures on the ornate ceiling. All these figures have been inspired by Shantala Devi's voluptuous beauty.

Sculpted limbs undulate in lyrical lines. One sculpted beauty communicates with a pet parrot whose tail is peacock-like, another wrings water from her long hair and you can see the drops collected on hair-ends.
The delicacy and attention to the finest details here are incredible.