Belur, Karnataka

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For other uses see Belur Belur ಬೆಲೂರು was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebidu, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. Belur is located in Hassan District. According to inscriptions discovered here, it was also referred to as Velapuri.

[edit] Attractions

Main article: Chennakesava Temple

The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple ( dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava , meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.

There are two more shrines here that are still in use by devotees and there is a Pushkarni or stepped well to the right side of the main entrance. The Dravida style rayagopuram at the entrance which was a later addition by the Vijayanagar kings, who considered this deity as one of their Kuladevata or family god.

The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete and Vishnuvardhana's grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari ( Lady with the mirror ) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.

This temple along with Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the Jaina monuments at Shravanabelagola are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage site.

Chennakeshava temple, Belur	Sculptured pillars of mantapa, Belur	Minor shrine in complex, Belur,	Kappe Chennigraya temple, Belur
Lakshminarayana temple, Belur	Raya Goupra, Belur	Shilabalika, Chennakeshava temple, Belur	Shilabalika, Chennakeshava temple, Belur