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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).
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.
12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since 2023 a , one of three Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.