¤ About Belur
Belur
in Karnataka has attracted innumerable tourists not only from the country
but also from abroad. Belur Travel has become easy and convenient with the
various modes of transport that are available in the city. The location of
Belur has enhanced its importance in the tourism industry. The geographical
coordinates of the city is 13º10' North latitude and 75º52' East
longitude respectively. The Belur city can be accessed via airways, railways
and roadways. Belur is 222 Kms from Bangalore, 34 Kms from Hassan and 149
Kms from Mysore. This place is famous for its exquisite temples. Belur is
known as Dakshina Varanasi or South Banaras for its temples. The serenity of
Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava, built by the
Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 117 A. D. to commemorate his conversion from
Jainism to Vaishnavism.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of Belur» Chennakesava Temple Belur - Chennakesava
Temple Belur is one of the main attractions of the city. The temple was
built in 1117 A D by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana. Though a follower of
Jainism, he changed his religion to Vaishnavism and the temple was built to
record this change in religion. The raw material that was used in the
construction of the temple was gray-green chlorite. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Krishna. A six feet tall idol of Lord Krishna is placed in the
temple. The structure of the temple is very high and the walls measures to
almost 132 meters by 120 meters. However the original temple measures to
almost 53 meters by 47 meters. The charm of the temple begins at the
entrance itself, where there is a gopuram. The five-storied structure of the
gopuram is as old as 14th century. The outer walls of the temple have 645
elephant carvings, but the most interesting part is that none of the
elephants are similarly carved. The temple is beautifully sculptured. There
are other small shrines within the premises of the Chennakesava Temple in
Belur. There are shrines devoted to Kappe Chenniga Raya, Somanayaki,
Vira-narayana, Venugopala and to Goddess Lakshmi. A sculpture of Shantala
Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana is seen at a raised platform in the
frontal part of the temple. The unique rounded pillars have enhanced the
beauty of the temple to a great deal. There are also bracket figures in the
Chennakesava Temple. There are also many carvings engraved on the walls of
the temple in the interior side that depict mythological stories and events.
Apart from the temple, there are various other attractions in close
proximity to Belur, Karnataka. There are also tour packages that are offered
to the tourists visiting Belur. Belur acts as a center point in Karnataka,
from where other places can be accessed via myriad modes of transport.
Pillars
- Inside, in the startling darkness gleam the beautiful
handlathe-turned rounded pillars, each unique in its filigreed splendour.
The Narasimha Pillar once revolved on its ball bearings. A small space has
been left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the talent. It remains
untouched.
Madanikas (Bracket Figures) - The
four famous bracket figures on the ornate ceiling have been inspired by
Shantala Devi's voluptuous beauty. One sculptured beauty communicates with a
pet parrot whose tail is peacock-like while another wrings water from her
long hair and one can see the drops collected on hair-ends. The 650
elephants charging on the frieze around the walls outside are all different
from each other. The 38 Bracket figures on the walls are beautiful, pensive,
playful and amorous women, lifting the temple to unprecedented heights of
excellence.
Shantala
Devi - On the smooth circular platform in front of the shrine,
stands the sculpture of the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of King
Vishnuvardhana. The jewellery is hollow and movable. The delicacy and
attention to the tiniest details here are incredible. Each feature, bangle,
strand of hair is carved with care.
¤ ShoppingBelur,
the temple town is a must see place for the spiritual tourist. Tourists can
carry home stone idols, sculptures and terracotta items. Hassan enroute to
Belur is also a good place for shopping for curios, which are typical of the
state of Karnataka. Karnataka has a rich tradition of handicrafts and silk
sarees, sandalwood, ivory brassware and wooden toys that you can buy in
Bangalore from the government-sponsored emporia or from the numerous
shopping malls in Bangalore.
¤ AccomodationArranging
for accommodation in Belur is not a problem at all. There are numerous
hotels in Belur of all ranges that cater to travelers and tourists of all
budget classes.
Belur
