Popular Temple
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
Belur, Hassan district, Karnataka
The high point of Hoysala architecture, carved in extraordinary detail in soapstone
At a glance
- Location
- Belur, Hassan district, Karnataka
- Presiding deity
- Lord Vishnu (as Chennakeshava)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
- Nearest railway station
- Hassan railway station (~38 km)
- Nearest airport
- Mangaluru International Airport (~170 km); Bengaluru (~220 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March. Daylight is what you want for looking at the carving.
History
The Chennakeshava temple at Belur was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. It stands on the bank of the Yagachi river and is regarded as the finest example of Hoysala architecture. In 2023 the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas — Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura — were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Spiritual significance
The temple is known above all for the fineness of its carving, worked in relatively soft soapstone — the madanika figures, the lathe-turned pillars and the friezes of Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes on the outer walls. Unlike several other Hoysala monuments, regular worship continues here.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
Open from morning to evening, with the sanctum closed for part of the afternoon.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Buses and taxis run regularly from Hassan. Halebidu is about 16 km away, so the two are usually seen on the same day.
Continue your Vishnu bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.