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Town in Karnataka, India
Photo: Santhoshwilson, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Chennakesava Temple
The temple of Chenna Kesava (literally meaning "Handsome Kesava" in the Kananda language) is dedicated to Lord Vijayanarayana, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu. It was built over a century beginning in 1116 CE. The temple is roughly 30 m (100 feet) high and has a magnificent threshold or Gopuram. Its inner walls are adorned with sculptured stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Chenna Kesava Temple is surrounded by Kappe Chennigaraya Temple on the south and Veera Narayana temple on the west and other shrines and mandapas within the main temple complex. Since 2023 a , one of three Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.
Lady with the mirror
This carving on the walls of Belur temple has several representations of Madanikas (heavenly nymphs) singing and dancing. This elaborate temple complex is enclosed by the high walls; it has a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), a Sukhanasi (vestibule) and navaranga mandapa. The complex has many small shrines, mandapas and other structures. There are two thresholds or gateways. The one has a gopuram was built in 1935. Poojas have been performed every morning and evening at this temple since the 12th century CE. The temples of Belur and Halibeedu were carved from soapstone (steatite).
Frog Temple
This small shrine resembling the main temple is located south of the main sanctum. It is dedicated to Kappe Chennigaraya and was consecrated by Shantala Devi, a queen. The icon of Lord Kappe Chennigaraya is located near the Chennakesava Temple.
Lamp Post
This 23 m tall (42 feet) pillar was constructed in 1414 and is still standing.
This small shrine, west of Chenna Kesava temple, is dedicated to Veera Narayana or Lakshmi Narayana. Its outer walls are decorated with large images of divinities.
The Big Tank
12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since 2023 a , one of three Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.
A very basic hotel run by KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Department), within walking distance to the Belur Temple (there is another Mayura hotel close to Halibidu Temple as well). The proximity is the only thing good about this hotel which offers air-con, fan and dormitory rooms. The manager would arrange for water (hot and cold) to be brought to your room when you need it. The rooms themselves are new and clean, but the bedding is modest, although clean. The lodging is therefore not top class, but the proximity to the temple (you can see the temple at the end of the street from the lodge—maybe a 5-minute stroll through the shop lined streets) is its plus. There is a restaurant on-site as well, the food and coffee there are in poor taste, though.
A decent place to stay in the small town, situated opposite to the bus stand and the Chennakesava Temple is 5-min walk from here.
Hoysala Village Resort is on Belur - Chikmagalur Highway. The resort has 33 rooms, out of which 29 are standard rooms and 4 suites. The amenities provided are doctor on call, travel desk, laundry service, swimming pool, car parking and conference hall. The resort also has an in-house restaurant and a bar and provides sightseeing packages.
B.M.Road, Hassan.
By bus
Well connected to all important cities of Karnataka.
By car
The road from Mangalore via Dharmastala- Mudigere to Belur- is a very beautiful ghat road, with many water falls, lovely hill side views and numerous tea estates.
By train
Nearest railway station is Hassan (37 km) which is connected to Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore. Chikmaglur (18 km) is connected to Bangalore and Shimoga.
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Mangaluru · International · IXE
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