Belur Temples

Chennakeshava Temple - This structure on the banks of the River Yagachi in Belur will truly leave the traveller breathless. Friezes of charging elephants, each different from the other' mythological figures, military scenes, dancers and musicians, and elaborate rnotifs capture the imagination. At the entrance facing the temple is the winged figure of Garuda. Lord Vishnu's carrier. The other examples of Hoysala architecture found exclusively al Belur are the angled bracket figures depicting celestial nymphs. Also, on the smooth circular platform in front of the shrine is the sculpture of Shanthala Devi, queen o1 Vishnuvardhana. Present in the same complex are the temples of Chennigaraya, Viranarayana, Sreedevi and Bhoodevi.

Hoysaleswara Temple - Halebid, just l7 kilometres from Belur, is the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. Perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, the temple is a sculptural extravaganza. The walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings. The temple complex has a museum which houses the idols, statues, busts and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department.