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| Chennakeshava temple at Belur |
Belur is a town in Hassan district in the state of Karnataka, India.
Belur in Hassan district (222 kms. from Bangalore) also a Taluk Head Quarters is famous for its magnificent Hoysala temple complex. The Chennakeshava temple here was completed in 1116 A.D. by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas Calling the god as Vijaya Narayana. The magnificent image is 3.7 mtr. tall and the temple standing on a platform has exquisite plastic art work on its outer walls and bracket figures of dancing girls in various poses, in perfect proportion. There are shrines of Kappe Chenniga, Andal, Saumya Nayaki, etc., in the precincts of this temple enclosed by a Prakara with 'gopura' (entrance tower) built by Belur Nayaka, a Vijayanagar feudatory. The temple here is a classic example of Hoysala art and Belur was one of the Hoysala capitals.
Other Subjects of Belur
History of Belur :
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| Belur |
The Chennakeshava temple at Belur is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. Legend has it that it took 103 years to complete and Vishnuvardhana's grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. The intricate workmanship includes elephants, lions, horses, episodes from the Indian mythological epics, and sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas). Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari ( Lady with the mirror ) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attraction in complex.
This temple along with Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu and the Jaina monuments at Shravanabelagola are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage sites.
Demographics of Belur :
As of 2001 India census, Belur had a population of 20,225. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Belur has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 54% of the males and 46% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. |
