Belur is the best example of South Indian architecture, and its regal beauty and superb quality are unrivalled. Belur’s many tourist attractions attest to the town’s stunning beauty and enchantment. A tiny temple town in the Hassan district of Karnataka, around 220 kilometers from Bangalore. Belur is one of the most visited places in Karnataka and is sometimes referred to as the “Banaras of the South” or “Dakshina Banaras”.
Belur, the former capital of the Hoysala Kingdom, is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindu community due to the presence of several monuments, temples, and holy shrines. Furthermore, Belur is a well-known tourist hotspot that annually draws in many visitors from all over the globe.
Historically known as Velapura or Velur, this temple town served as the capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire. Belur is home to many wonderful tourist attractions that will leave you in awe and demonstrate why India deserves the moniker “Incredible India”.
In Belur, Karnataka, the following attractions are the most popular:
1. Chennakesava Temple
The Belur Bus Station is around 500 meters away from this old temple, making it one of the town’s greatest testimonies. Historiographers estimate that it took over a century to build this magnificent temple, which was finally finished in 1117 A.D. There is not a single blank spot on the front of this sacred building; it is entirely carved from soft soapstone. The Chennakesava Temple is a popular tourist destination in Belur due to its impressive collection of creative stone sculptures and intricate carvings.
This impressive structure was erected by the renowned King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the guardian of the universe. The temple has a six-foot-tall image of Vishnu, and the entry doorway is one hundred feet high.
The main attractions include the 645 one-of-a-kind elephant carvings, the sculptures of Madanakai damsels, the carvings in Navarang, and the depictions of scenes from the Puranas, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
2. Halebidu
Halebidu is in the Hassan district of Karnataka and is 17 kilometers from Belur, 32 kilometers from Hassan, 34 kilometers from Chikmagalur, 148 kilometers from Mysore, and 211 kilometers from Bangalore. It is a must-see attraction and one of the top tourist destinations in all of Karnataka.
Beautiful Hoysala Temples dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara were constructed at Halebidu (or Halebid) in 1121 A.D. All Halebidu tours should include stops at these landmarks. The other two Hoysala temples up for World Heritage status are the Belur and Somnathpur structures. Sculptures and carvings at the Hoysala temples are so detailed and ornate that they seem made of metal after being polished.
In the 12th century, Halebidu served as the opulent royal capital of the Hoysala dynasty. Dorasamudra and Dwarasamudra were renamed Halebidu, which means “The Old City”, after being destroyed twice by Malik Kafur.
Two Hindu temples—Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara—and two Jain bases make up the town’s temple complex. The temple grounds also host an archaeological museum. A large lake surrounds the temples at this location. These sacred buildings were constructed from Chloritic Schist, also known as soapstone. Halebidu is a great tourist destination not far from Bangalore.
3. Archaeological Museum
Several sculptures, displays, inscriptions, and other artifacts are displayed at this open-air museum in Halebid. All of these are examples of exhibits of Indian art in other countries.
A statue of Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) and Veena Saraswati (the Goddess of Music) may be seen within the museum. A stunning bronze statue of Tirthankara is nearby.
4. Belavadi
The Sri Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi is renowned for its Hoysala-style architecture. The prince of the Pandavas, Bheema, is credited for killing the demon Bakasura and saving the hamlet and its inhabitants in the location known as Ekachakranagara in the Mahabharata. Chikmagalur vacation packages often include a trip to the Belavadi Temple.
Veera Bhallala II, king of the Hoysala Empire, commissioned the construction of the Veera Narayana temple in the 13th century. There are three incarnations of Vishnu worshipped at this temple. Intricate sculpture at Belur and Halebid may get more attention, but this temple is a prime example of Hoysala-style construction.
A square garbhagriha, sukanasi, Ranga mandapa, and a square maha mantapa make up the western side of the temple. All of this building is perched on an elevated platform. It is thought that this temple was erected in two distinct periods and that both phases used soapstone for the construction. Sri Veera Narayana sits in the centre of the temple, facing east, Sri Venugopala is to the north, and Sri Yoganarasimha is to the south, all in typical trikuta style (three vimanas). Temples dedicated to Krishna and Narayana were subsequently constructed.
Two beautiful sculpted elephants flank the entryway of the temple. The two newer shrines face each other across the long Mandapa from the oldest shrine in the middle. Veera Narayana’s Ranga mandapa is notable for its ornate ceiling and bell-shaped pillars. The temple’s outside walls are adorned with intricately carved pilasters and towers. A four-armed statue of Veera Narayana, standing 8 feet tall, can be seen at the main temple. This statue is among the finest works of Hoysala art.
5. Hoysaleswara Temple
A well-known Hindu temple in Halebid, known as the Hoysaleswara Temple, dates back to the 12th century. Located to the west of Halebid’s Dwarasamudra Lake, this majestic temple is a well-known symbol of the Hoysala dynasty. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India, is regarded as one of Belur’s most impressive sights.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a holiday spot that’s a little different from the typical mountain or beach getaway, Belur is a fantastic option. Travelling through time to Belur’s ancient structures, temples, and sacred sites will add depth to your vacation. Put together a wonderful journey to this place of culture and legacy, and pack your luggage. People interested in art, culture, architecture, and photography will find a lot to like here.
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