The temples in Belur are perhaps the town’s most visited attractions since it is home to a number of religious monuments which are dedicated to different deities. What draws people to these temples is not just devotion and the desire to offer their prayers but also the marvellous architecture of these structures, many of which date back centuries. Belur is situated along the foothills of the Western Ghats and the region was once under the Hoysala dynasty, owing to which, many temples here are built in the gorgeous Hoysala style of architecture.
About Belur
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Belur is a small town located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, situated near the foothills of the Western Ghats along the banks of the Yagachi River. This region, along with a few neighbouring ones, were part of the Hoysala kingdom between the 10th and 14th centuries. Belur was the capital of the kingdom during the early years of its establishment. The town of Belur has many temples that you can go to, and here is everything you should know before visiting them:
Even after it was replaced as the capital, it continued to be an important place for the Hoysalas. They often referred to Belur as “earthly Vaikuntha” which means the abode of Vishnu as well as “Dakshina Varanasi.” Many believe that the Hoysalas were merely a local Hindu family which happened to acquire power and influence over the course of time. They were known to marry into the Kalyana Chalukya Hindu dynasty that deeply valued art and temples. The most revered temple here is the Chennakeshava Temple which is representative of Hoysala architecture.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Belur
The 5 Most Popular Temples in Belur
Here is a list of the top 5 temples in Belur that you simply must visit:
1. Chennakeshava Temple
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The Chennakeshava Temple, also known as the Keshava or Vijayanarayana Temple, is one of the most visited temples in Belur. It is situated on the banks of the Yagachi river and its construction was commissioned under king Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty in 1117 CE. The temple was fully built after 103 years and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, serving as a very important pilgrimage site under Vaishnavism. Besides its splendid architecture, the temple is also known for its 118 inscriptions, sculptures, reliefs, iconography, etc. Within the temple’s premises are other smaller temples and shrines that you must visit.
Location: Belur, Karnataka, India
Distance from Belur: 1.1 km
2. Hoysaleswara Temple
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If you are visiting Belur’s temples, then make sure to stop at the Hoysaleswara Temple should surely be one of them. It is often known as the Halebidu temple and is the largest monument in the town of Halebidu near Belur. This temple dates back to the 12th century, having been built in honour of Lord Shiva under the orders of king Vishnuvardhana. It is a twin-temple made of soapstone that is dedicated to the Santaleswara and Hoysaleswara Shiva lingas and has been plundered a few times under Delhi Sultanate. Inside the temple is a small space for Lord Surya and two Nandi shrines on the outside; these shrines face each linga. Much like the first temple, this too features friezes, reliefs, inscriptions from Hindu scriptures, sculptures and more.
Location: Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121, India
Distance from Belur: 16.8 km
Suggested Read: Chennakeshava Temple
3. Kedareshwara Temple
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The Kedareshwara Temple is another temple that was constructed during the Hoysala dynasty’s reign and is located quite close to the Hoysaleswara Temple. Its construction was commissioned by the Hoysala king Veera Ballala II and the deity worshipped here is a form of Lord Shiva called Ishwara. Built sometime around 1219 CE in soapstone, this temple lies atop a jagati which is essentially a platform. There are three shrines inside the temple along with sculptures and images of scenes from Hindu mythology and the puranas. You would also come across scenes etched on the walls of the temple that pertain to both Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Location: Kedareshwara Temple Road, Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121, India
Distance from Belur: 17.8 km
4. Lakshmi Devi Temple
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Established in the 12th century, the Lakshmi Devi Temple is situated in the Hassan district’s Doddagaddavalli village near Belur. This temple consists of 4 shrines – the eastern one is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the western to Lord Shiva, the northern to Goddess Kali-Durga and the southern one is most probably dedicated to Lord Vishnu, although it is empty. Moreover, you would also find a Bhairava shrine along with four smaller ones here. This temple is quite reminiscent of the Nagara shikhara style of architecture. The Lakshmi Devi Temple is believed to be one of the first temples built under the Hoysala dynasty, and like the others, it was also constructed using soapstone.
Location: Hagare, Doddagadduvalli, Karnataka 573216, India
Distance from Belur: 24.2 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Karnataka
5. Sri Veera Narayana Temple
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The Sri Veera Narayana Temple is also called the Viranarayana temple of Belavadi. This structure is located near Halebidu and also happens to be a nationally protected monument. A perfect example of beautiful Hoysala architecture, it is a triple Hindu temple since its complex features 3 different sanctums dedicated to 3 different deities – Viranarayana or Lord Vishnu, Yoga-Narasimha and Gopala. The temple’s Vesara superstructures as well as pillars that look as though they have been adorned with jewels and the scenes on the ceilings narrating stories about Lord Krishna are some of its most striking features.
Location: Belavadi, Karnataka 577146, India
Distance from Belur: 28 km
Further Read: Karnataka Cuisine
Belur might be a quaint town in Karnataka but it is one of its most popular tourist destinations. The numerous temples in Belur attract large crowds of people who come here not only to offer prayers but also to admire the magnificent architecture of these religious structures. If you have been thinking of planning a trip to Karnataka, Belur would be a great place to visit since it is perfect for sightseeing and also for relaxing. What’s more, it’s a wonderful destination for family holidays, so book your tickets now!
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Cover Image Credit : Bikashrd for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Belur
What is the distance between Belur and Bangalore?
Belur is located approximately 220 km away from Bangalore and it would take close to 4 hours to get from Belur to the capital city by car.
Is there an airport in Belur?
Unfortunately, Belur is a small town which does not have its airport so if you wish to take a flight, the closest airport is located in Mangalore about 160 km or 4 hours away. Moreover, the town also does not have a railway station so if you take a train, you would have to first get to Hassan Junction or Chikmagaluru Railway Station.
What kind of clothes should one wear while in Belur?
Since Belur is largely known for its temples, it is best to dress modestly and to avoid wearing any clothes that are too tight fitting or revealing. This applies to both men and women. Moreover, make sure to pack comfortable clothes as well as a hat or sunglasses to protect yourselves from the sun.
What is the best time to plan a trip to Belur in Karnataka?
Although you can visit Belur at any point during the year, the peak tourist season here is between October and March when the weather is most pleasant. Summer time brings about temperatures as high as 38 degrees celsius which might be the best kind of weather to visit temples or to be outdoors for long periods of time.
Are 2 days enough to see Belur?
Yes, 2 days are more than enough for you to visit most of Belur’s famous attractions.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
