Historic place Belur is a small village 222 kms from Bangalore. Nearest town to this place is at at distance of 40 kms is Hassan. This village on the on banks of Yagachi river was known by name Velapuri in the olden days. During 11th and 13th century it was the capital of Hoysala Kingdom.
The rulers of Hoysala were patrons or art and architecture and they built numerous temples and monuments. Belur is known as "Dakshina Varanasi" for its temples. Chennakesava Temple Complex at containing the Chennakesava Temple is the masterpiece of the Hoysala creation. The main entrance to the Chennakesava Temple Complex is crowned by an ornate Vijayanagara style tower.
Within the complex, the main temple of Chennakesava lies in the centre, facing east. On its right is the Kappe Chennigaraya shrine, and a small Saummyanayaki (Lakshmi) shrine. On its left is an Andal shrine and Veer Narayana shrine. Apart from these shrines, there are two graceful Garuda sthambhas, or pillars, in the main courtyard. There is also what is known as "Gravity Pillar" here.
There is also a big tank known as Vishnu Samudra in the temple complex. Each and every corner of the temple is magnificently carved. Each of the carvings big or small is master pieces here. The intricate carvings and sculpture show how much Hoysalas rulers loved music and dance.
We shall explore this place more soon.
The rulers of Hoysala were patrons or art and architecture and they built numerous temples and monuments. Belur is known as "Dakshina Varanasi" for its temples. Chennakesava Temple Complex at containing the Chennakesava Temple is the masterpiece of the Hoysala creation. The main entrance to the Chennakesava Temple Complex is crowned by an ornate Vijayanagara style tower.
Within the complex, the main temple of Chennakesava lies in the centre, facing east. On its right is the Kappe Chennigaraya shrine, and a small Saummyanayaki (Lakshmi) shrine. On its left is an Andal shrine and Veer Narayana shrine. Apart from these shrines, there are two graceful Garuda sthambhas, or pillars, in the main courtyard. There is also what is known as "Gravity Pillar" here.
There is also a big tank known as Vishnu Samudra in the temple complex. Each and every corner of the temple is magnificently carved. Each of the carvings big or small is master pieces here. The intricate carvings and sculpture show how much Hoysalas rulers loved music and dance.
We shall explore this place more soon.
Warm Aloha
ReplyDeleteto you from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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Oh I can see that the carvings are very intricate and detailed all done by first rate carvers/artists.
ReplyDeleteAmazing architecture. I love visiting here because I always learn something.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant pictures!
ReplyDeleteGood photos...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture.;) I hope one day to be able to see your beautiful country with my own eyes.;)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Belur has some brilliant hoysala architecture. So does haleibid.
ReplyDeleteNice shots.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Beautiful pictures with informative discription...
ReplyDeleteMore magnificent architecture! I like how you caught the person in the window in the first shot!
ReplyDeleteIncredible architecture and style! Wish to check this place sometime.
ReplyDeletesuperb shots!
ReplyDeletevery beautiful photo's once again
ReplyDeletesuch incredible detail, such a labour of love this work must have been....and how well preserved it all is....thanx for the 'education' - I love to learn, about faraway places!
ReplyDeleteI hope I get to see this during my
ReplyDeletenext Banglore trip. Last time, we went all the way down to Mysore Palace and a temple in that area. This is lovely and should be a much shorter jaunt.
My Ruby Tuesday is at: http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2012/07/ruby-tuesday-2-delightful-indian.html
So much detail, so creative. Lots of energy went into those building/sculptures.
ReplyDeleteWonderful work and lovely captures
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love all of intricate detail! Wonderfully captured, Rajesh! Such a lovely part of your world!!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to compare what was happening in "your world" in that century as compared to what we just visited over here from the same time...we sure are the new world -- not nearly as far advanced!
ReplyDeleteThis is just lovely work here. Thank you for sharing it..
The carvingson this temple are so intricate and interesting!
ReplyDeleteAwesome templets!
ReplyDeleteIndia, an special place!!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to travel someday...
Cheera,
Maribel
What a fabulous place to explore.
ReplyDeleteNice photos of architecture, good prospects. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteMy entries:
Moms... Check nyo
Yummy-as-can-be
The architecture and sculptures are stunning.
ReplyDeleteAmazing structures. Happy RT2!
ReplyDeleteMine's here.
Another incredibly historic place, wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous details!
ReplyDeletethis is BOSS!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I can't get over the detail in those carvings. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe carvings are both intricate and beautiful. The exterior of the first photo is marvelous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots and post. I love the ornate entrance. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
ReplyDeleteSo many monuments and sculptures in India have intricate and symbolic carvings. Very historical.
ReplyDeleteWow. Beautiful and really interesting.
ReplyDeleteChris H
ABC Wednesdays
B is for Orion's Belt
The carvings are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteDear friend,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures indeed!! I have seen some of those shots in old Hindi movies. Thanks for sharing.
Just gorgeous! Visiting from ruby Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteWell, how amazing is that? These are profound photos of objects created by people who revered life.
ReplyDeleteamazingly intricate art
ReplyDeletebirth death its all the same
Impressive structure.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sculptures as always.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I am craving to be able to visit Belur.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! And when I think of what was happening (or not happening) in our country at that time, it boggles my mind. We truly are a new world (only)....
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating this temple complex and the craftsmanship. We will soon explore finer details.
ReplyDeletethats a great piece of information along with beautiful pictures..
ReplyDeleteVaransi of South .. interesting :)
well have a Belur near Kolkata as well :) The Belur Muth is popular tourist spot :)
A great Place to Explore..I have been to Hassan but never been to this place..I guess next I m in Hassan I am sure of visiting this place... :-)
ReplyDeleteI see a post like this and am reminded we are so blessed as a nation, thank you for a great share...
ReplyDeleteNice images Rajesh btw you changed your gravatar
ReplyDeleteLove the intricate detailing and the open courtyard. How wonderful I get to travel to such serene and ancient places through your blog and beautiful captures. Thank you (as always).
ReplyDeleteGreat pics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Wow...nicely captured.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating this masterpiece craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteAmazing...
ReplyDeleteSuch intricate workmanship - truly a work of art@
ReplyDeletePlease share at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2014/09/shell-game-linky.html