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 motifs 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, the queen of 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.
