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Belur Travel
222
km from Bangalore, 39 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore is Belur famous for
its exquisite Temples.
Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern
Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Channakeshava,
built by the Hoysala Kind Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. to commemorate his conversion
from Jainism to Vaishnavism.
The main structure of the temple , which
is star shaped, is a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything
is carved in black stone, looking like metal.
Facing the temple, at
the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier. The 650
charging elephants on frieze around the walls outside are all different from each
other.
The exotic bracket figures (Madanikas) on the walls
of this temple are secrene, playful and amorous; enhancing the overall effect
of this pinnacle of architectural . Inside, even in the darkness, you can see
the Hand Lathefurned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendour. On the
smooth circular platform in front of the shrine, you can see the beautiful Shantala
Devi, queen of Kind Vishnuvardhana.
The Spotlight is now on the four
famous bracket figures on the ornate ceiling. All these figures have been inspired
by Shantala Devi's voluptuous beauty.
Sculpted limbs undulate in lyrical
lines. One sculpated beauty communicates with a pet parrot whose tail is peacock
like, another wrings water from her long hair and you can see the drops collected
on hair-ends.
The delicacy and attention to the finest details here
are incredible.
Belur
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