Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Chennakeshava temple or Keshava temple or Vijayanarayana temple is located in Belur. It is a 12th century Hindu temple initiated by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi river in Belur. Chennakesava is a form of lord Vishnu and the temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu.Belur is an early Hoysala empire capital. The temple was brought to completion over three generational periods and took 103 years to finish. It was repeatedly damaged, repaired and rebuilt.

History

The Hoysala period began about 1000 CE and last up to 1346 CE. In this period, the Hoysala rulers built around 1,500 temples in 958 centres. Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala kings. King Vishnuvardhana, one of the Hoysala kings initiated this Chennakeshava temple. The main temple is called Vijaya-Narayana and the smaller temple next to it is called Chennakeshava. It is now combinedly called as Chennakeshava temple.There are 118 inscriptions in the temple complex which shows the history of the temple. The temple stands on an open and wide platform designed to be a path around the sanctum. 

How To Reach

Belur bus stand is located just 850 m away from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk from bus stand easily.