Beluru Sri Chennakeshava Temple

*Awsome temple
*Beautiful and mesmerizing handsculptures
*took the help of guides and learnt wonderful things about temple's and Ira history and most importantly the hardwork, creativity & dedication of those sculptures
* Really beautiful statue of Lord Channakeshava swamy and its 12 feet in height and it is said as taller than Lord tirupathi Balaji
* there so many things to say about this temple but words are inadequate
Most of the idols are broken by muslim invaders and i feel very sad to see know that. Many times I feel how can anybody feel like destroying such a beautiful master pieces no matter what their religion teaches them. As a human being one should have a basis common sense of being a human irrespective of the teachings of their religion.

Beluru is a small village now, which hosts one of the world's most intrinsically carved temples. The temple is as good outside as it is inside. It's indeed foolishness to try to describe it in words.
Please do visit along with a Guide to believe it.
Don't forget that it belongs to you.
Now it is one among world heritage sites.
Cherish and conserve

Really great to hear that Shri Chennakeshava swamy temple listed into UNESCO World Heritage, morning we visited temple evening we got news it selected

This Temple is really indicates Indian history and our ancestors skills of crafting. Every pillar is having detailing finishing even after 800 years we can see it. Great place to visit.

Visiting the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur was a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Indian architecture and artistry. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a true masterpiece of Hoysala architecture, and it left an indelible impression on me.

Approaching the temple, I was immediately captivated by the intricate and delicate carvings that adorned every surface. The exterior walls were like an epic storybook in stone, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, everyday life, and celestial beings. The level of detail and craftsmanship was simply astonishing.

Stepping inside the temple, I was greeted by the magnificent idol of Lord Chennakeshava, the main deity, which was a shining example of the Hoysala sculptural excellence. The serene atmosphere inside the temple, filled with the scent of incense, invited a sense of peace and reverence.

The temple's pillared hall, known as the Navaranga, was a marvel in itself. The intricately carved pillars seemed to defy gravity, each one with a unique design and story to tell. It was a perfect blend of architectural ingenuity and artistic expression.

One of the highlights of my visit was observing the play of light and shadow on the temple's sculptures. As the sun moved across the sky, the carvings came to life, casting intricate patterns that seemed to dance with the changing light.

The temple's serene courtyard, with a beautifully landscaped garden, provided a peaceful retreat for contemplation and photography. It was a place to soak in the grandeur of the temple from different angles.

Belur itself, with its quaint charm and historical significance, added to the allure of the Chennakeshava Temple. The town felt like a time capsule, preserving the rich legacy of the Hoysala dynasty.the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur is not just a place of worship; it's a living testament to the artistic and architectural genius of ancient India. My visit was a journey back in time, and I left with a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage and artistic brilliance that this temple represents. It's a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Temple management and committee is doing extraordinary job in overall management and the main attraction in the temple is the flower decoration or any other special decoration that will be done based on any special occasions. Recently there was a decoration that was done with spatica mani and Rudraksh. Must visit temple if you are in Gubbi or on the way to Shivmoga.

Recently added to the UNESCO list of ancient temples.
It's a beautiful architecture similar to Hampi temples.

This temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. Best in class art and craft in stone work. Surprisingly the day we visited, it got added to world heritage site along with 2 other Temples of the region.
Keep minimum 2 hours in hand if you enjoy architecture, art or photography
Govt should make it a accessible for all.
Temple guides should not be allowed in place of prayer. Tourism business and devotion should be followed separately

Ancient Temples of the king regime, best place for the ancient architecture and center of cultural heritage.

Amazing architectural skills. Well maintained and managed. An extraordinary site to visit. Reminds us of our glorious culture and traditions such a treasure, so neatly maintained, so quiet and peaceful, you can spend hours looking at the carvings.lots of place to just sit and be

Sculpture details are marvelous.
Not sure how they were able to do it in those times.
The place is clean and definitely worth a visit

Awesome marvelous unimaginable scripture of this temple. Should be Uniseco world heritage site.

The temple is actually an archaeological site rather than devotional. The site is famous for a specific pillar called "Gravity Pillar" which stands on single stone touching only three corners but yet very stable from hundreds of years. It closes sooner by 7: 30.
The temple staff outside site here are little rude.

One of the must visit temples for intricate hoysala architecture, enroute chikamagalur. Its it architecturally, culturally rich and shouldnt be missed at all.

Worth to visit the place In a life time, the art work done by ancient sculptor is mind blowing and worth the top place for this temples.

A rare gem.you visit this place, take a guide to understand each carving and importance of it and a little you will understand the legacy that has been passed on.

One of the must visit places if you are in and around Hassan. The carvings are exquisite and the overall ambiance is peaceful. The hoysala emblem in carved on the front. It's a great sight. There is a lake (Pushkarani) in the temple premise, which signifies importance of this temple and it's grandeur during Hoysala rule.
I would suggest to hire a guide to know more about each carvings.

Beautiful vishnu/laxmi temple
Very deep details in temple architecture, loved this part
When I visited, there was not much info boards in temple to understand the history of temple
Just we have 1 board in the beginning of the temple
You will find guides there as well charging 100₹ per person

It is a must visit temple to see tha ancient scriptures and statues. If you plan in summer reach around 3-4 pm. Morning time it is too hot. Sufficient car parking around the temple.

This is the best example of what indian architecture was and is! I was totally overwhelmed and amused looking at the carving. They are so intricate and details in the carvings are splendid. A must visit!

The definition of beauty and over skilled carvesmen. It's sad how parts of Halebidu was destroyed by the invaders, serendipity of relief that Belur was survived by ancestors.
A guide is suggested as you'll be intrigued by the precision of and stories behind the carvings.
Suggestions: Enjoy each and everything you see, you'll have the best experience

ಹಳೆಯ ಕಾಲದ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಶಿಲ್ಪಕಲೆಯಿಂದ ವೈಭವೋಪೇತ (ಒಂದಾನೊಂದು ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ) ಹಿಂದೂ ಮಂದಿರ. ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ದಾಳಿಖೋರರಿಂದ ಈಗಿನ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿದೆ. ಬೇಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೆಖೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಹೆಚ್ಚೆನಿಸಬಹುದು. ಆದರೂ ಸಹ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಮ್ಮೆಯಾದರೂ ನೋಡಲೇ ಬೇಕಾದ ಸ್ಥಳ.

The temple has some of the unbelievable soapstone based sculptures. 48 unique pillars inside the temple is another noticeable thing to see. Around 35 feet high Gravity pillar standing without glued to ground is really engineering Marvel carved out by folks more than 1000 years back. Simply awesome!

A MARVELLOUS & UNPARALLED SCULPTURES in HOYSALA ARCHITRCTURE.

This TEMPLE which is nearly 1000 YEARS OLD, exhibits the STUPENDOUS SKILLS of the SCULPTORS in that PERIOD.

BELUR TEMPLE has CHELUVANARAYANA SWAMY as the MAIN DEITY (DEDICATED TO LORD NARAYANA) and is being WORSHIPPED since the INCEPTION.

BELUR TEMPLE HOUSES ONE DEITY in the MAIN PRAAKAARA.

HALEBID HOUSES LORD ISHWARA as MAIN DEITY has TWO GARBHA GUDI for HOYSALESHWARA & SHANTALESHWARA

Mesmerizing sculptures, devotional vibes! Sweat and blood of our ancient sculptors made this place one of the wonders in India. A day is not enough to look at the sculptured stories on the walls which makes the temple mind-boggling. Must visit once in lifetime. ️

Its ome of the most beautiful temples that I have ever seen. The minute intricacies of architecture of Hoysala kingdom is mind blowing. It needs to be promoted more for tourism.

A must visit place in all over India. We go TaJ and say what an architecture but these temples in Belur and Halibedu can beat Taj over 50 times. It is a right representation of our history and culture. The architecture the symmetry and the sculptures are unparalleled to any other place.
Plenty of parking is available in the font (50rs), the temple opens at 730am until 7: 30pm. It is better to take a guide who can explain it full.

A historic place to be visited and to be known about.
You have paid guides to take you around for sightseeing and explain the details.
Along with this place of visit, halebeedu and shravanabela gola are to be covered.

Art. Art. Art. When you see it for the first time, u will be amazed. Such a brilliant peace of work. And Never Ever anybody can recreate such master piece. Its a wonder. Do visit if you haven't visited yet. Every single step around the temple makes you feel amazed

Wow place. The stone carving with perfection on every arts and carving.really I get a thought was it man made.doubtful.

An ancient Hotels architecture temple, good gateway for the people who're interested in archeology. Can find many Street food shops nearby.but the management should keep the outside premises clean and there were a lot of flys and plastic!

I would rate it 100 if possible.
This is an archaeological wonder. Everyone who appreciates art should go there atleast once. The sculptures and the details are mind-blowing. You should definitely opt for a guide for this place, otherwise, you will miss great details. Insist the guide to explain everything. They know many details there. The guides here are not from private agencies but are govt licenced.

Absolute wonder. The stone carvings are just awesome. Not less than any wonders of the world. Must visit atleast once.

The Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century Hindu temple in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur also called Velapura, an early Hoysala Empire capital. The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish. It was repeatedly damaged and plundered during wars, repeatedly rebuilt and repaired over its history. It is 35 km from Hassan city and about 200 km from Bengaluru.

Copyright: padmanabha upadhyaya

Chennakesava Temple - Somanathapura ️
(A Standing Testimony Of The Hoysalas Majestic Craftsmanship)
This Is A Vaishnava Temple, Inside The Temple Are Three Sanctum's Where We Can See Vishnu In Three Forms:
• The North Sanctum - The Statue Of Janardhana
• The Western Sanctum - The Statue Of Keshava
• The South Sanctum - The Statue Of Venu-Gopala
The Three Sanctum / Shrines Together Are Known As TRIKUTACHALA And Are interconnected.

Somnathpur / Somnathpura Is A Town In Tirumakudalu Narisipura (T. Narisipura) Mysore District - Karnataka State. Around 35KM From Mysore City.

Chennakesava Temple at Belur, Incredible Karnataka

One of the finest temple in all of India

Built in 1117 AD.

Built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. Belur, which was an early Hoysala capital is in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India.

Chennakesava (lit, "handsome Kesava") is a form of the god Vishnu. Belur is well known for its marvelous temples built during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty, making it and nearby Halebidu favored tourist destinations in Karnataka state. These temple complexes have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

One of the best and peaceful places to visit in Karnataka. The heritage Hoysala Empire rule and its art and culture is best understood at this place. The architecture is just stunning and its a must visit for all tourists coming to India or Karnataka.

Very beautiful temple of Hoysala architecture in Belur. Temple ceiling is in star shaped. The walls of temple have intricately carved sculptures from purana and various gods and scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The pillars have a typical lathe carved shape and carry statues on capital support. Some really detailed and finely carved scenes exhibiting food chain etc need help from a guide.
Entry is free, check out Aarti schedule beforehand if you wantvto join.

Everyone has to visit this great place regularly and has to promote others to visit this place we need to know the heritage and rich culture of our past generations and we need to protect

Very nice sculptures and carvings. Makes you wonder how they did it without machines specially the Pillars. Loved it.visit every time I travel between Bangalore Udupi.

Magnificent temple of Channakesava Swamy. Feel enriched seeing the architectural marvel. Sculptures are beyond words. A good place to calm the mind. Temple authorities are very polite. Blessed to have visited the temple

Very good to visit early morning, Has good parking area.

Anyway there is no much crowd, so can spend some peaceful time!

Must visit to see the architectural beauty of South Indian temples and the minute details of work done.

Great architecture.
Great ideas of carvings could be seen.
A place to visit & surely worth it.
Good amount of parking space.

Located between Hassan and chikmagalur. Takes an hour's drive from both these places to reach Belur. Its a small rustic town. You don't need an introduction to this place if you are from Karnataka. Parking outside the temple complex is payable and the space is adequate. Temple complex is huge, beautiful, clean and will maintained. You have to witness these sculptures to believe it. Fine intricate artwork at its grandest. Guides are available. They are also quite knowledgeable. You can easily spend about a couple of hours here. Really serene. You won't leave this place without feeling proud about the rich Indian history. Must visit. Enjoy the place.

Historical place to visit with family and friends. Paid guides are available if you need more information regarding the temple and it's surrounding.

Indian heritage. Great sculpture. Many of them are destroyed, still what remains is wonder. Take a guide or a guide book while visiting the place. Lots of thought behind each sculpture.

Awesome 10 century temple of lord Chennakeshava (Vishnu) located in place belur.

The temple has many amazing stone curveings which are absolutely delight to watch.

Hire guide to get detailed explanation of the place.

The temple is a structural marvel with many detailed picturization of Indian culture and other belief systems.

It also has couple of other temples within the complex.

You get ample parking space.

The old temples of Karnataka’s Hassan district are an architectural wonder. And the town of Belur is home to one of the grandest examples of Hoysala architecture, the Chennakesava Temple (Also Chennakeshava). The temple was built in the early 12th century by the Hoysala ruler, Vishnuvardhana, when the town of Belur was the site for the capital of the Hoysala kingdom.
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PS: I recommend this place to everyone not for religion aspect but for the rich culture it holds and for being architectural marvel.

Amazing art work and architecture built centuries ago. Visit and pay tribute to India's glorious past.

This place is a beautiful example of how rich Indian architecture had been.
The temple architecture is quite similar to Vijaya Temple, Hampi. It has images of Gods crafted from stone. When visiting the temple, do visit the nearby dam.

An absolute architectural wonder! Built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana and the famous sculptor Jakanachari and his associates. The temple main deity is Chennakeshava and the idol itself is made of pure black granite. Famous for the " Shilabalikas", the uniqueness of these carvings is that, one can find the sculptor's name etched below the carving!

Very good historical place to visit. It has fine engraved artwork.should visit here if you have interest in history.

A must visit place for the history lovers
The sculptures here are the finest works. The government have maintained it well and most of the structure is intact

Temple is very good.
I have some suggestions.
I request local authorities to avoid making money from innocent touristers and visitors.
I saw many places where unnecessarily charged more for example parking charges 50rs. If denied locals are denting the vehicles which we parked in other places.

Good place to visit with family and kids. The place is known for its stone carving skills of our ancestors. This place is dedicated for the lord vishnu and the temple has carvings of his avathar all around the main temple. There is no priest to do any pooja as it's under the control of archeological dept. Better to have guide to understand the carvings. Also spend much time to see the carvings one by one and don't rush.

One should see the sculpture and speak to know our heritage. Great only when we see each and every sculpture in detail.

A structure built almost 1000years back. Each and every idol in the temple craved on the walls has a unique meaning. There are 42 pillar inside the temple and no pillar has designs repeated. Hiring a guide would be recommended to know a little about this extraordinary temple.

Vishnu temple built in 12th Century. Took over 100 years and 3 generations to complete! Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple premises are kept very neat & clean. The kids got ample space to run around and pose with the statues! The architecture, sculpture work is very fine. We got ample time to go around, study, be amazed and click pics of the sculptures around. I would list it as a must visit place when planning for a trip out of Bengaluru:)

One of the least crowded ancient temple I visited.hiring guide there will help you know temple more

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಪುಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ಅದರದೇ ಆದ ಆದ ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯತೆ ಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದಿದೆ. ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಒಂದು ಬಾರಿ ನೋಡಲೇಬೇಕಾದ ಸ್ಥಳ ಇದಾಗಿದೆ. ನಮಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ರಮಣೀಯವಾದ ಶಿಲ್ಪ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳು ನೋಡಲು ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ.