Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi, Karnataka, India

Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi, Karnataka, India

Belavadi - Veera Narayana Temple

This is a beautiful Hoysala style temple located 28 km south of Chikmagalur town in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Belavadi, also known as Ekachakranagara, is very near to the famous temple towns of Belur and Halebid. This temple was built in the 13th century by Veera Ballala II. While Belur and Halebid are famous for their intricate sculpture, this temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture.

Architecture : Veera Narayana Temple

Veera Narayana temple Belavadi - Karnataka

Built in the Trikuta style –with three vimanas – this temple is huge and spacious. The entrance of the temple is at the center, with slanting roofs. The few steps leading up to inside of the temple are flanked by an elephant on either side.
The older shrine is in the center, while the two other shrines face each other across a long Mandapa. The older shrine has one closed Mandapa and one open Mandapa, one with 13 bays and one with nine bays. The vimana of this shrine is beautifully decorated. The outer walls of the temple have running pilasters with decorative towers on top. These pilasters are beautifully carved.
The two newer shrines are connected by an open Mandapa with 37 bays. These two shrines have different plans. One is square while the other is star shaped. The vimanas, the Sukanasi and the walls are covered in bold sculptures. The figures that stand out are the ones of Krishna dancing on Kaliya, and of Garuda. The central shrine has an idol of Veera Narayana, with four arms, standing on a lotus. This figure is eight foot tall. This is the central shrine, and the oldest.
The northern shrine has a seven foot tall idol of Yoganarasimha in a sitting posture, holding the Shanka and Chakra, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi standing on either side. The Prabhavati is carved with the ten avatars of Vishnu.
The southern shrine has an enchanting eight foot image of Venugopala Krishna. Krishna, standing with his right leg in front of his left leg, leaning against a tree, is blissfully playing his flute. He is surrounded by various figures – Shravan Kumaras with folded hands, Gopikas, who are so lost in the music that one has forgotten to cover herself properly, a cow feeding her calf, lost in the music, Gopalas who are dancing to the Venu Gana. On either side of Venu Gopala stand Rukmini and Satyabhama.

How to Get to Veer Narayana Temple

Road :
Belavadi is about 10 kms from Halebeedu. It is enroute between Halebeedu and Javagal.
One can also reach Belavadi via Bangalore - Arsikere Road on NH 206 and then take diversion onto State Highway upto Javagal.

Rail :
Alight at Arsikere Junction or Birur Junction if your are travelling in Fast Express Trains and then take road to Belavadi.
If you are travelling by Express or Passenger trains alight at Banavara and then head by road.

Once the Kadur-Chikmagalur Railway Line is completed, alighting at Chikmagalur station would be more nearest point.

Airport :
The nearest Airport is at Devanahalli and then either head by road or rail.
A new domestic airport is being constructed at Shimoga/Hassan, which would act as nearest airports.

Where to stay:

The Serai
Mugthihalli Post, KM Road, Chikmagalur 577 133
Tel: 08262-224 903-14
Fax: 08262-224 915
Email: enquiries@theserai.in
Website: www.theserai.in


Flameback Lodges
Billur Post, Pattadur Village, Mudigere Taluk, Chikamagalur 577 132
Email: : info@flameback.in
Website: : www.flameback.in


The Gateway Hotel (Taj Group)
KM Road, Jyothinagar, Chikmagalur 571 102
Tel: 08262-220 202
Fax: 08262-220 222
Email: tgrgm.chk@tajhotels.com
Website: www.tajhotels.com


Silent Valley Corporate Resorts
Thodlu, Kalasa, Kudremukh Road, Chikmagalur 577 124
Email: silentvalley@vsnl.com
Website: www.silentvalley.net

 

Address:

Veera Narayana Temple
District: Chikmagalur
Town: Belavadi
State:Karnataka