Belur, an old city on the banks of the Yagachi River in Hassan district, is shrouded in mystery. Velapura was the old name for the city. After the sultans of Northern India attacked and destroyed their capital Dwarasamudra (now known as Halibeedu), the Hoysala dynasty chose Belur as an alternate capital city. The Hoysalas were true art and architecture connoisseurs. Several temples and monuments were built under their patronage throughout their nearly 300-year rule. Belur was given the best of Hoysala monuments. Every year, many flock to Belur and its twin city, Halibeedu, to see the creative architecture and magnificent sculptures. Because of its unparalleled historical and cultural significance, Belur is known as the present Vaikuntha (heaven) on Earth. Several architectural and spiritual treasures abound in the city, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
HISTORY OF BELUR
The Hoysalas were a mountainous tribe from the Western Ghats that oversaw the Chalukyas' land holdings. Tinayaditya, who was a notable leader between 1047 and 1078, helped them rise through the ranks. Known as Velapuri in the past, Belur, along with Halebid, was formerly the heart of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The Hoysala Dynasty's greater ruler was Vishnuvardhana, and the capital was relocated to Halebid. Belur became the Hoysala Empire's second capital after the invasion by the Delhi Sultanate. The magnificent temples in the area are thought to have been built to commemorate King Vishnuvardhana's victory over the Cholas in 1117, and took 103 years to complete.
ARCHITECTURE OF BELUR
Belur is a town full of architectural marvels, including some unique carving and sculpting works. The complexity with which the structures here are made is exquisite, built in typical Dravidian style architecture. One of the most well-known examples of Hoysala architecture is the Chennakesava temple. The temple's whole exterior is decorated with intricate stonework, leaving no area unadorned. Birds, elephants, lions, horses, and other creatures are among the sculptures on display. Aside from that, the beautiful carvings on the temple, which depict scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Upanishadas, will captivate you.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BELUR
• Chennakesava Temple - The Chennakesava Temple, a beautiful model of Hoysala architecture, was built in the 12th century and is an architectural marvel. Despite its rich history and popularity, Belur remains one of Karnataka's lesser-known tourist destinations.
Highlights: A lovely stepwell (Pushkarani) is located near the temple's entrance. This well was once utilised for bathing before performing prayers and other rites, as was the norm at the time. In the midst of the courtyard, a 42-meter-high pillar known as the Gravity Pillar has been erected.
• Belavadi - Belavadi is steeped in history and Hindu mythology, and is home to the famed Veer Narayan Temple, which dates back to the 1200s. It's a peaceful small hamlet that makes a nice contrast to the busy metropolitan streets. There aren't many tourists here, so you can explore the area in solitude and to your heart's content. The beautiful architecture, carvings, shrines, and isolation are all reasons to visit.
Highlights: It is also claimed to be the location where Bhima defeated the demon Bakasura to protect the town, according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It may not be one of Belur's most unusual tourist attractions, but it is well worth a visit, if only to see the Veer Narayan Temple.
• Madanikas - Another reason the Chennakaseva Temple is one of Belur's most visited tourist attractions is the Madanikas! The Madanikas, also known as Celestial Nymphs, are artistically carved Bracket Figures that adorn the temple's walls. These constructions have been meticulously designed.
Highlights: These Madanikas portray many forms and postures of Bharatanatyam, all meticulously constructed! In the temple, there are 42 Madanikas, four of which can be seen in the temple's ceiling and reflect the genuine splendour of Hoysala designs. The remaining 38 figurines adorn the temple's façade, adding to its architectural splendour.
• Doddagaddavalli - The calm small village of Doddagaddavalli, around 15 kilometres from Hassan, is one of the most eccentric spots to explore in Belur. Doddagaddavalli is primarily known for the Lakshmi Devi Temple, which was constructed by the Hoysalas in 1114 AD.
Highlights: The temple, which is shaded by gorgeous coconut plantations, bears sharp echoes of King Vishnuvardhana's reign, during which the temple was built. The temple is constructed of soapstone and stands on its own, as is typical of Hoysala architecture.
• Hoysala Mahotsav - The Hoysala Mahotsav, which takes place every year in March or April, is a great celebration of India's rich culture and tradition. It's a spectacular dance, art, and music event set against the magnificent architecture of the Hoysala temples of Halebidu and Belur.
Highlights: A completely unique event, the festival heralds the start of a new season and celebrates it with a divine blend of music, dancing, and art. Every year, artists of all ages from all across the country travel to Halebidu to take part in this huge festival.
• Pathaleshwara Temple - Don't allow the fact that the Pathaleshwara Temple isn't one of Belur's most well-known tourist attractions to deceive you.
Highlights: If you enjoy all things rustic, historic, and raw, you won't want to miss a visit to this unassuming little gem. The temple, which is marked by ancient jet-black Hoysala pillars and sits in near ruins, is located within dense bushes and makes for a very romantic scene. Explore the temple's hallways and you'll notice Hoysala architecture features looking back at you.
• Yagachi Dam - Yagachi Dam is a gravity dam erected across the Yagachi River, one of Kaveri's tributaries. The dam is 1,280 metres long and sits at a height of 965 feet above sea level, making it one of Karnataka's most popular water sports destinations.
Highlights: Yagachi Dam is a terrific area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it's also a great place to try out some water sports and adventure! Indulge in activities such as speed boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and more to get your adrenaline racing!
• Shantaleswara Temple - The Shantaleshwara Temple, another outstanding Hoysala construction, was built in the 12th century as a devotion to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most holy locations to visit in Belur, and it comprises two identical temples known as Shantaleshwara and Hoysaleshwara.
Highlights: The temple is named after Queen Shantaladevi, the wife of King Vishnuvaradhana Hoysala, and both are said to be enshrined there. The temple's basic construction resembles a star, which is one of the temple's most outstanding features!
TRADITIONAL FOOD OF BELUR
• Ragi mudde (Kannada) - It is a nutritious meal popular among Karnataka's rural population. In Hassan, Avarekaalina Saaru and ragi mudde are well-known. Avarekaalina saaru also goes well with a variety of rotis and chapatis.
• Puliyogare (Kannada) - It is a South Indian rice dish that is typically served as a snack. Puliyogare translates to sour tasting rice in Halegannada, where Puli means sour taste and O'gara means rice. In some regions of Karnataka, puliyogare is also known as Huli anna or Tamarind rice.
• Sakre Pongal - It is made by boiling freshly harvested rice and jaggery ('palm sugar') in pots until a frothy mixture emerges. Enjoy your meal while it's still hot.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BELUR
The greatest time to visit Belur's ancient town is during the months of March and April, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. The best times to visit this location are in the morning and evening.
HOW TO REACH BELUR
• By Air - Mangalore (168 km) is the closest airport, with multiple flights arriving daily from all major cities around the country.
• By Rail - Hassan (37 km distant) is the nearest railway station, with trains arriving daily from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore.
• By Road - Regular buses run between Belur and larger towns such as Mysore (155 km) and Bangalore (220 kms). Hassan, Shravanabelagola, Madikeri, Hassan, and other major tourist destinations are easily accessible from the town.
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