Top 7 Famous Temples in Belur to Visit
Belur, nestled in the heart of Karnataka's Hassan district, is adorned with magnificent temples that have withstood the test of time. These temples and smaller shrines scattered across the town serve as places of worship and living repositories of Karnataka's vibrant cultural tapestry.
List of Temples in Belur
Following is the list of renowned temples in Belur that are conveniently accessible via the nearby Belur Railway Stations, Mangalore International Airport, Belur KSRTC Bus Station:
7 Best Temples to Visit in Belur
Explore the list of 7 famous temples in Belur that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 7 temples:
1. Chennakesava Temple | Yagachi River
One of the best examples in the town is this old temple. Historians estimate that this magnificent temple took around a century to build. This sacred shrine's whole front is painstakingly carved out of soft soapstone, leaving no blank space.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Yagachi Dam, Jarhi Falls, and Kavala Caves.
2. Hoysaleswara Temple | Halebidu
The capital of the powerful Hoysala Dynasty in the 12th century. The location is well-known for its exquisite Hoysala architecture, minute and delicate carvings, elaborate temples, incredible statues that have been polished like metal, and much more.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Madanikas, Basadi Halli, and Hoysala Boating.
3. Lakshmi Devi Temple | Doddagaddavalli
The stunning Lakshmi Devi temple is a well-known draw for crowds here. Constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana, this temple is a rare architectural masterpiece. The temple is immaculate beyond belief.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February.
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Narasimha Pillar, Madanikas, and Shravanabelagola.
4. Sri Veera Narayana Temple | Belavadi
The temple was constructed in the 13th century using the Hoslaya architectural style. The wall's elaborate engravings serve as evidence of this. This is where, so the tradition goes, Bheema murdered Bakasura to save the villagers from the monster.
- Best Time to Visit: November to January.
- Temple Timings: 8 am to 7:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Sringeri Mutt, Z Point, Habbi Falls, and Kalasa.
5. Kedareshwara Temple | Halebidu
Constructed approximately in 1319 AD, the temple features architecture in the Chalukyan style. There is a basement in the temple with sculptures that tell the stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm - Everyday.
- Nearby Places: Abbe Gundi Falls, Basadi Halli, and Manjarabad Fort.
6. Sri Kappe Chennigaraya Temple | South Side of Belur
The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and was constructed in the eleventh century. The temple is well-known for its exquisite carvings and exquisite statues. The temple should be seen by anyone with an interest in ancient Indian temples.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Yagachi Dam, Doniagal Small Falls, and Belavadi.
7. Saumyanayaki Temple | Yagachi River
The temple honors Goddess Saumyanayaki and was built in the twelfth century. The temple is well-known for its intricate carvings and colorful statues. The temple is a must-see, as it is a superb example of Hoysala architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: March to April.
- Temple Timings: 5 am to 6 pm - Every day.
- Nearby Places: Hoysala Emblem, Manzrabad Spices, and Narasimha Pillar.
Within the southern state of Karnataka is Belur, a hidden jewel. The city is well-known for its historic temples and magnificent buildings that display the exceptional artistry and architectural genius of the Hoysala era. Anyone interested in the historical Indian architecture, customs, and traditions should pay a visit to Belur.
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Belur, India
Is there an entry fee to visit the temples in Belur?
Yes, there is usually a nominal entry fee to visit the Chennakesava Temple and other monuments in Belur. The fee may vary for domestic and international tourists.
Are there any dress codes to adhere to while visiting the temples?
Visitors are generally expected to dress modestly while visiting the temples in Belur. It's recommended to wear attire that covers shoulders and knees as a mark of respect.
What is the significance of Belur temples?
Belur temples, especially the Chennakesava Temple, are renowned for their architectural beauty, intricate carvings, and historical significance. They represent the pinnacle of Hoysala architecture and serve as important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
What is special in Belur temple?
The temple is elevated on a platform, and its exterior walls are decorated with beautiful artwork that features perfectly carved bracket figures that represent the Puranic and Epicural stories.
What do you know about the temples of Halebidu and Belur?
The Indian state of Karnataka's Hassan district is home to the temples of Halebidu and Belur. Built during the Hoysala era, the twin cities of Halebidu and Belur are renowned for their Hindu and Jain temples.
What is the main temple in Belur Karnataka?
One of the best-preserved temples from the Hoysala kingdom of Karnataka is the Chennakesava temple in Belur.
How old is Belur temple?
One such site is the 900-year-old Chennakeshava Swamy temple complex in Belur, Karnataka.
Which stone is used to build temples in Belur?
The primary stone utilized in the construction of both temples is called soapstone, a metamorphic rock mostly composed of talc with other minerals such as carbonates, amphiboles, and chlorite.
Who built the Belur Math temple?
The Belur Math temple was constructed by Martin Burn & Company; Swami Shivananda lay the foundation stone on March 13, 1929, and work was finished in 1938. Ramakrishna's monastic student Swami Vijnanananda was the main architect of the temple.
Who ruled the Belur Temple?
Under the tutelage of the Hoysala architecture, it was constructed in the early 12th century by Vishnuvardhana, the emperor of Hoysala.
What are the interesting facts about the Belur temple?
At Belur, the early capital of the Hoysala Empire, on the banks of the Yagachi River, King Vishnuvardhana ordered its construction in 1117 CE. The construction of the temple took 103 years and involved three generations of builders.