Belur
About the city
Belur is notable for the Chenna Kesava Temple which is a contemporary (AD1133) of the great European cathedrals of Lincoin and Chartres. While not built on so massive a scale, the artistry and workmanship lose nothing by comparison, and the state of preservation is remarkable. The carving was done by the same man as the Hoysaleshwara in Halebid. The images in this and the Kappe Chenniga raya temple in the same compound are among the very best in India. All the Hoysala temples were damaged in Muslim invasions between 1310 and 1326. Despite its poor condition the gopuram is a later addition.Beautiful Belur, the quaint little town is set elegantly on the banks of river Yagachi amidst lush surroundings. It was chosen as the capital of the Hoysalas, after the sacking and destruciton of their capital at Dwarasamudra (Halebid), by the Delhi Sultans. The Hoysalas ruled this region between 11th and 13th centuries. They were great patrons of atr and architecture and built a number of magnificent shrines during their 300 years reign. The temples and monuments at Belur are indeed the best Hoysala creations, showcasing their amazing architecture and sculptures in full glory. The Hoysala temples are characterised by typical star shaped ground plan and are usually set on a platform. Today, this small town basking in the warmth of its luxurious greenery and glorious past is regarded as ‘one of the jewels' of South Indian architecture.