Veera Narayana Temple - Belavadi

Veera Narayana Temple of belavadi is one of the finest examples of trikuta Temple built by the Hoysala Empire. This temple is at a shorter distance from the famous Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu. The temples of Belur and Halebidu are known for its intricate sculptures, but this temple is known for its architecture. Vera Narayana Temple of Belavadi is one of the largest temple built by the Hoysala Kings.

Veeranarayana Temple Belavadi

 

Carved Elephants at the entrance of Belavadi Temple

 

Entrance of Veeranarayana temple, Belavadi

Temple Structure

The temple is in trikuta style with Sri Veera Narayana in the center facing east, Sri Venugopala facing north and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south. First we have to pass a gopura kind of construction with two elephants on both sides of the entrance. One we cross this hall, we will come across an open mantapa with many lathe tuned pillars. This mantapa contains 37 bays and hence many pillars. The two shrines of Venugopala and Yoga Narasimha are located on both sides of this mantapa. Some of the Pillars of this mantapa are so smooth that it can be even used as mirrors.

Pillars of Belavadi Temple

 

Lathe Tuned Pillar

 

Pillared Hall of Belavadi Temple

 

Ceilings of Belavadi Temple

 

Side view of Belavadi Temple

 

Ceilings of Belavadi Temple

Moving forward we will come across another hall with 22 pillars, 20 of which are round bell-shaped that supports the mukhamantapa of the Veera Narayana shrine. The other two pillars are star shaped. The main shrine of Veera Narayana has a height of 8ft with four hands and is standing on a Lotus seat. The inner walls of this shrine are plain, but its roofs are well decorated.

The southern shrine has an 8ft tall image of Venugopala standing cross legged under the kalpavriksha, playing a flute. Saints, gopikas, cowheards and cattles carved alongside of the venugopala shrines have been listening to his music since 13th century. This image of Venugopala is considered as the most beautiful Krishna image by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The northern shrine has a seven foot tall idol of Yoganarasimha in a sitting position, holding Shanka and chakra, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi standing on both sides

Veera Narayana Temple of Belavadi was built in 1200CE by the famous Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. It is believed that the temple was constructed in two phases. The central shrine of Veera Narayana was constructed first and then latter additions were made. There are a total of 108 Lathe tuned pillars in this temple.

 

Carved walls of Belavadi Veeranarayana Temple

 

Smooth pillars of Belavadi Temple

Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi

Best Time To Visit Belavadi

November to January is the best time to visit Belavadi as the weather is quite pleasant.

How to Reach Belavadi

Belavadi is 10km away from the Hoysala temple of Halebidu. It is located 220km from Bangalore and 28 km from Chikmagalur. The nearest railway station is Kadur and Birur.

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