Veera Narayana Temple located in Belavadi is an ancient 12th century temple carved in soapstone. This temple comprising of three shrines was built during the rule of the Hoysala King Veera Ballala II.
In this temple with unique architecture each of the three shrines has a complete by itself with tower on top of the shrine. Among the three shrines, two of the shrines face each other and are located on either side of a wide and spacious open hall with thirty seven bays.
The central shrine is much older and its inner walls are plain with well decorated roof. In all, the temple complex has fifty nine bays that is exhibited by many pillars. While most of these pillars are lathe-turned and bell shaped, some have decorative carvings on them.
The outer wall of the temple has many eaves running around the temple. Below this are miniature decorative towers on pilasters. A panel of Hindu deities and their attendants are below this eves followed by a set of five moldings that form the base of the wall.
All shrines have sculptured decoration on the towers, and the sculptures on the walls are bold and are visible from a distance. These beautiful sculptures represent various forms of deity of the temple.
In this temple with unique architecture each of the three shrines has a complete by itself with tower on top of the shrine. Among the three shrines, two of the shrines face each other and are located on either side of a wide and spacious open hall with thirty seven bays.
The central shrine is much older and its inner walls are plain with well decorated roof. In all, the temple complex has fifty nine bays that is exhibited by many pillars. While most of these pillars are lathe-turned and bell shaped, some have decorative carvings on them.
The outer wall of the temple has many eaves running around the temple. Below this are miniature decorative towers on pilasters. A panel of Hindu deities and their attendants are below this eves followed by a set of five moldings that form the base of the wall.
All shrines have sculptured decoration on the towers, and the sculptures on the walls are bold and are visible from a distance. These beautiful sculptures represent various forms of deity of the temple.
26 comments:
Awesome temple. Fantastic pics.
Happy Mosaic Monday Rajesh
much love...
Stunning sculptures!!
Absolutely fantastic.
As usual, your posts are fascinating for the architecture and artistry. Does soapstone stand up well to weather?
Hi Rajesh - as usual, incredible carvings and decorations on this temple. I wonder how long it took to complete?
How gorgeous!
I think that these must be the most highly decorated shrines that you have shown us on your travels, they are simply amazing. Have a great week.
Oh, Rajesh, I'm sure I always say the same thing. At least, I know I always think the same thing...you and your magnificent country are amazing. So much beauty, so much magnificent architecture, and all of it far, far older than anything here in Canada or the US, older than anything in Europe as well. Fabulous!
Thank you for sharing with us.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
i really like the ;parralex in the second one
Wonderful building...all those statues are amazing
I wonder... how much time it would take to visit all those tempels you've shown thus far
Have a ♥-warming ABC-Wednes-day / - week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (ABC-W-team)
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lovely.
the tower is an interesting feature!
ROG, ABCW
Astounding!
What a fabulous building - stunning photos!
Fantastic details!
love these temples.. though was not aware of this one, it looks very similar to the temple at Harihar, Karnataka..
An amazing place Rajesh!
There was not a single building of any type in my country in the 12th century.
Your posts always amaze me. Thanks so much!
Beautiful captures...
Intricate and extravagant carvings. Beautiful.
Nice look :)
Beautiful stone carving
Your post really inspiring to visit this temple! Marvelous sculptures and detail
The carvings and sculptures are beautiful as all the temples you show us -- it is nice to know they are visible from a distance. The picture of the hallway is magical ... it seems like you could go on forever.
Wonderful pictures, as always! Its delightful to read of your travels
Heisann, interesting, artistic architecture, strange to me ;:OD)
Wish you a Merry Christmas :_OD)
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