Belur

Belur stands on the Yagachi River and was an early capital of the Hoysala kings. Its Chennakeshava temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is celebrated for the intricate carving made possible by soft stone. The shrine stands on a raised platform, its walls covered with bands of animals, foliage and scenes from sacred stories. Sculpted figures and polished pillars fill the temple hall, while a tall gateway leads into the enclosure.

King Vishnuvardhana consecrated the temple in 1117, and later patrons continued to enlarge its complex. The Hoysalas moved their principal capital to nearby Dvarasamudra, but Belur remained an important sacred centre. In 1397 Gunda, a general serving the Vijayanagara ruler Harihara II, rebuilt the great gateway tower. Later Nayaka and Wodeyar patrons added other structures, while worship at the main shrine continued across successive changes of power.