I am an avid fan of historic temples and relics. To discover one such wonder from history, I decided to visit the temples of Belur. It is one of the best-known temples of the Hoysala dynasty. The temple was built in the 16th century and still stands famous for its carvings and architecture. The Hoysala dynasty was inspired by the Dravidian style of design, in the temples, you would witness carvings on walls, pillars, and ceilings too.
The temple at Belur is called the Chennakesava temple (a Vishnu temple) it was built to commemorate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas. Belur is about 217 km from Bengaluru. The idol of Vishnu in this temple is in its most beautiful form.
Like any other temples in south India, you will witness a magnificent, ornamental Gopuram that stands tall and gives you the feeling, that you are entering a grand place.
When you look at the carvings of the temple, you would see that Stories from the Puranas, Upanishads and other mythological stories have been executed most authentically. The corners of the exterior of the temple have the sculptural beauties called madanikas; these are said to be inspired by the beautiful queen shantaladevi.
As you enter the temple, the one sculpture that would not go unnoticed is the trademark of the temples of Hoysala dynasty, the royal emblem. It brings to life the story of prince sala, who killed the tiger which then became the royal emblem.
Many carvings show the women of that era enjoying music and dancing in the high courtyards. These sculptures would surprise you because of the minute detailing in them that seem quite tricky in this day and age.
To the northeast corner of the temple is a tank called “Vasudeva Sarovara.” It was built in the year 1175 AD by Hoysala Ballala-II.
As I explore many such relics, I would share with you the stories I discovered of incredible India. Till then keep exploring!
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You can read my Guest post on Belur temples here
Such beautiful temples with fine detailing! I love the fact how each of these dynasties or eras had their own distinct architectural style. And the step well is awesome!
It sometimes makes me wonder how such creations were even possible at that time! That too when technology has not seen its light…Now a days even with such advance technology and advancements at our disposal it seems impossible!
So beautiful and fascinating. Thank you for sharing images of beautiful India.
So much history. How many stories they have been witness too. I always find it fascinating to think of how it must have been when it was built and how it has stood the test of time.
Beautiful images. Thanks for sharing.
Every time I visit a temple built centuries ago, I wonder how they carved the stone, made those breathtakingly beautiful statues ..all of it using just the basic few tools they had back then. And, I am quite sure that if we were to build similar temples with carvings et al, we wouldn’t be able to do justice to that art even with all the modern tools and technology we have today!
Beautiful pictures, Shruti! And, thank you for the post!
Loved reading the descriptions… And the intricate engravings… It’s indeed amazing how the artisans of previous era made these without the use of modern technology. Well written post.
The Belur temple and its precincts have held me in awe over several years now, just reading and viewing the photographs! Its been on my bucket list for long and this post just makes me more determined to visit this architectural marvel.
What lovely captures, I stay in Bangalore and haven’t visited it yet!! Shame
Those are gorgeous sculptures!
Such beautiful temples with fine detailing! I love the fact how each of these dynasties or eras had their own distinct architectural style. And the step well is awesome!
Architecture wise you will fall in love with each and every temple down in South.