Chennakeshava Swamy Temple @ Belur (Karnataka)

चनाकेशवा स्वामी मंदिर , बेलूर ( कर्नाटक )

Chennakeshava Swamy Temple, Belur :

Chennakeshava Swamy temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. The word Chennakeshava is the combination of two words

Chenna means good, beautiful in Kannada Language and
Keshava means Lord Vishnu.

It is situated in a small city called Belur which is in Hasan district, Karnataka, India. Earlier days Belur was also known as Velapura and it was the capital city of Chola Dynesty.

This temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE which took around 100 years to complete. Temple is made with black stone and carving on the stone is super. It can not be explained in words but you have to see to realize the wonder created by our ancestors. I have attached few photos which will give you and idea.

The temple complex has five temples and other structures

Chennakeshva Swamy temple
Kappe Chennigaraya
Vira Narayana
Saumyanayaki
Ranganayaki
Vasudeva Sarovara
Granary
Deepa Stambha (Light pole)
Duaja Stambha (Flag pole)
Vuyyale Mandapa
Colonnades
Mandapas

You require minimum a day time so please visit the place to feel it.

VisitingTiming: 07:30 AM to 07:30 PM Everyday.

Best time to visit: All-time.

Entry Fees: No.

Address:

Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

Temple Rd, Belur, Hasan District, Karnataka 573115. (India)

Special occasion:

This is a very famous temple and thousands of people visit there every day. Below are some of the occasion while you expect more visitors.

Rathotsava
Navamahotsava
Ramnavami
Weekends
Holidays

Navamahotsava : Navamahotsava is the main function performed in the temple which continue for 9 days. Temple continues tradition of kicking off festival with Quran recitation. Below are the main events performed during nine days festival.

Day 1

Garuda Prathishte
Bhedithadana
Chandramandalothsava

Day 2

Suryamandalothsava
Ananthapeetarohanothsava

Day 3

Ananthapeetarohanothsava
Kanthuka Khelana
Hamsarohana
Belli mantapothsava

Day 4

Hamsarohana
Kalyanosthava
Pushpamantopothsava
Belli mantapothsava
Kanakondolikarothsava
Uyalleutsava
Pallaki Utsava

Day 5

Pushpamantopothsava
Hanumanthotsava
Prabhasametha Garudothsava

Day 6

Ratha Kalashasthapane
Garudothsava

Day 7

Rath Yatra
muslim cleric offers prayers from the Quran.

Day 8

Naada Rathothsava
Shantiostsava
Hanumanthotsava
Dholothsava

Day 9

Ashwarohana Pranayakala Sandhana
Avabrutha
Davana Mantapostsava
Sebikarohanotsava
Dwajarohana
Panimale

Places to visit nearby:

Kedareswara Temple.

Hoysaleswara Temple
Doddagaddavalli.
Yagachi Dam.
Halebidu.
Belavadi.
Archaeological Museum.
Ermai Waterfall.

Parking Places: There is huge parking place next to the temple. You have to pay for the parking Rs. 50 for 24 Hrs.

How to reach :

Indian Rail: The nearest railway station is in Chikmagalur (26 km) or Hasan (39 km). Railway stations are well connected with other Indian cities. You can catch an either bus or hire taxis to reach the temple.

Buses: The nearest main bus station is in Belur which is 1 km from the temple. Belur bus station is well connected with other Indian cities. You can auto rickshaw or you can even walk.

Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore (154 km), or Mysore (150 km). Airports are well connected with other Indian cities. You can catch an either bus or hire taxis to reach the temple.

Private Taxis: As it is very famous tourist destination, you will find many private taxis. If you hire for a day you can cover few more place.

Distance from nearby Cities

Hasan : 39 km

Bangalore: 220 km

Mysore: 150 km

Chikmagalur: 26 km

Mangalore: 154 km

Shimoga: 123 km

Accommodation:

Belur is a very famous tourist destination and you will find many hotels and lodges there.

Food & Restaurant:

It is in the middle of the city and you will find many restaurant with reasonable price. Many roadside eateries are also available.