CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE - TRAVEL INFO
Historical
Distance (From Belur Bus Station): 0.5 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Belur Bus Station
Trip Duration (From Belur Bus Station, Including Travel): 1-2 Hours
Transportation Options: Auto / Walk/Trek
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 0.5 KM from Belur Bus Station, Sri Chennakesava Temple (also known as Vijayanarayana temple) built in 1117 AD is the main attraction of Belur. The temple is very famous for extensive carvings, stone sculptures, art work and its unique architecture. The temple is listed as UNESCO World heritage Site.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala Dynasty. A six feet tall idol of Lord Vishnu is placed in the temple. This temple was built in Hoysala style of architecture with main shrines being built on a star shaped platform. The temple has one hundred feet high magnificent gateway tower.
The raw material used in the construction of the temple was gray-green chlorite. The main temple is surrounded by the Kappe Chennigaraya Temple and two more shrines. The outer walls of the temple have 645 unique elephant carvings. It took about 103 years to complete the temple construction.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
