Temples of Karnataka - Belur - Sri.Channakeshava Temple

Sri.Channakeshava Temple

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Belur - Channakeshava Temple - South East view

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Cartographic Details

Latitude	13.16089722 North
Longitude	75.85745278 East
Elevation	Meters Above MSL
Place	Belur
Village
Hobli
Taluk	Belur
District	Hassan
State	Karnataka

Description about the temple

The Belur Temple complex houses Sri.Vijaya Narayana (Now known as Sri.Channakeshava). This temple is one of the most spectacular temples of Hoysala Architecture and consists of beautiful carvings present both outside as well as inside the temple.

This temple was constructed in 1117 AD, i.e., Saka 1039 - Chaitra Masa, Shukla Paksha, Hevilambi Nama Samvasthara under the rule of King Vishnuvardhana (As per records found at Belur)

The whole temple is constructed on a 3 feet high pedestal with a pradkshina patha where one can go around the diety watching all the carvings of Vishnu avataras, Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha along with Mandakinis or commonly known as Shilabalikes.

The inside part of the temple is richly decorated with splendid pillars of which mainly the Narasimha Kambha is best of all and the pillar next right to the Sukanasi is the most beautiful with extra ordinary details such as Vishnu Avatars, Ashta Dik Palakas and lots of other animals decorating the pillar.

As one comes out of the temple, walking on the pedestal will keep you gasped by the sheer beauty of each Mandakini, Sukhabasini, Shilabaalikes, etc., along with other beautiful images of Vishnu Avatar, Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha, etc.,

Apart from this one can find Sri. Kappe Chennigaraya temple towards the South of Sri. Sri. Ranganayaki onto the North West and Sri.Veera Narayana Temple to the South West.

Even the walls of Sri.Ranganayaki temple and Veera Narayana temple is surrounded by images of Vishnu and others.

Please await for more detailed description very soon.

Protected Monument

Protected under	The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
Conserved & Maintained by	ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA, Bangalore Circle, Karnataka.

Historical Details

Period	1117 AD	Style	Hoysala
Facing	East Direction	No of Kutas	Ekakuta
Pedastal	Present	Ground Plan and Elevation

How to reach Belur

From Bangalore 210 kms

From DHQ Hassan 35

Route :
1.Bangalore-Hassan-Belur.

2.Hassan-Halebeedu-Belur.

3.Chikmagalur-Belur

Road :
1.Bangalore-Kunigal-Channarayapatna-Hassan(NH 48) - Belur

2.Chikmagalur-Belur

3.Shimoga-Bhadravathi-Tarikere (NH 207)-Lingadahalli-Chikmagalur-Belur.

4.Arasikere-Javagal-Halebeedu-Belur.

Rail :
The nearest Railway junction is at Hassan, also you can alight at Arasikere and proceed towards Belur via Halebeedu.

Once the Chikmagalur Railway connection is completed, it would be the nearest rail head.

The Golden Chariot starting from Bangalore, also takes you to Hassan by train and then by road to visit Belur.

Airport :
Currently Bangalore International Airport is the nearest, proceeding either by road is advisable.

Once Hassan Airport becomes active, it would serve as the nearest airport.

Near by Temples to visit

Near by temples in about 30 kms radial distance. Note : The actual road distance might vary please enquire locally. The temples are listed from South to North Direction.

1. Doddagaddavalli - Sri.Lakshmi

2. Adagur - Sri.Channakeshava

3. Halebeedu - Sri.Kedareshwara

4. Halebeedu - Sri.Hoysaleshwara

5. Chatchatnalli - Sri.Chatteshwara

6. Belavadi - Sri.Veera Narayana

7. Hiremagalore - Sri.Kodandarama

Amenities and other useful details

Restaurant : You can come unprepared and after getting exhausted, you can eat as several hotels are present. It is also a good idea to get something packed from Hassan as well.

Hotel: It is advisable that you stay at Hassan rather than Belur, as the accommodation is good at Hassan. Cheap lodges are available in Belur, but not that good.

ATM: SBM and SBI ATMs are available, so need not worry, but as it is taluka place, it is good to carry sufficient cash from Hassan itself.

Transportation: Belur is well connected by KSRTC buses from Bangalore, Hassan, Chikmagalur and other taluka places in Hassan as well. So one need not worry much about it.

Fuel Station: More than 3 fuel stations are present in Belur, so need not worry much. Remember I have not seen any CNG stations, so better be equipped.

Health Care: There is a Government hospital apart from some small clinics, it is advisable to move to Hassan District hospital in case of emergencies.

Contact: Currently not available.

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