<p>Hidden in the village of Belavadi is a stone marvel that does not attract as many visitors as its famous cousins in Belur and Halebid. <br /><br />The exquisite entity is the Veera Narayana Temple, a noteworthy example of Hoysala architecture. <br /><br />It was built in the 13th century by Veera Ballala II. <br /><br />A short bus ride from Chikmagalur brought me to the village of Belavadi. <br /><br />The youngster sitting next to me enlightened me about the ancient and newer temples in the region. <br /><br />I stood at the entrance of the ASI National Heritage monument after a short walk from the bus stop. <br /><br />It was deserted until a lone priest arrived there for puja. This, in spite of the sanctum sanctorum being closed and no deity to be seen. <br /><br />Classic designs<br /><br />The temple is built on a high platform and I could see that the gopuram over the sanctum was not tall like typical Hoysala architectural design. <br /><br />It is built in the trikuta style, with three vimanas. A tall dwajastamba is in front of the structure, guarded by two elephant sculptures. <br /><br />The symmetry and decorations at the top are every bit like the Hoysala architectural design. <br /><br />Lathe-turned, round, decorated pillars support the roof, over which some carvings are still visible.<br /><br />I stood admiring the beautifully decorated elephant sculpture where attention is given to the minutest detail in the necklace and other ornaments adorning the statue. <br /><br />A number of round pillars support the roof in the hall, opposite the sanctum. <br /><br />A few faded roof decorations are seen. </p>.<p><br />The intricate floral designs are pleasing to the eye.<br /><br /> One cannot help but admire the skills of the artisans who took so much patience in carving out such masterpieces, fit to adorn a temple. <br /><br />Figures of gods are placed in front and at the entrance to the door of the sanctum. Some pillars have intricate designs all over them. <br /><br />The outer walls of the Temple bear the typical decorated figures of gods. The gopuram over the sanctum too has idols of gods in small niches.<br /><br /> In some places, panels are missing. Elaborate floral designs are seen around stone idols. <br />Rainwater from the roof is led out in channels.<br /><br /> However, a few panels are discoloured due to exposure to rain and sun. The Temple is set in a small neat garden.<br /><br />Sri Udbhava Ganapathi Temple, a natural rock formation in the shape of Lord Ganesh, is worshipped in the modern temple, maintained by Sri Shankaracharya Mutt of Sringeri. <br /><br />There is also a small Shanimahatma Temple in the vicinity. <br /><br />As I walked in the village, I saw two persons dehusking corn by using a machine. <br /><br />In another place, I saw raw arecanut being boiled and later dried in the sun. <br /><br />Frequent KSRTC buses ply from Chikmagalur to Belavadi, which is within a distance of 25 km en route to Javagal and Arsikere. <br /><br />The Temples are within walking distance. A few small hotels provide food and drinks.<br /></p>
<p>Hidden in the village of Belavadi is a stone marvel that does not attract as many visitors as its famous cousins in Belur and Halebid. <br /><br />The exquisite entity is the Veera Narayana Temple, a noteworthy example of Hoysala architecture. <br /><br />It was built in the 13th century by Veera Ballala II. <br /><br />A short bus ride from Chikmagalur brought me to the village of Belavadi. <br /><br />The youngster sitting next to me enlightened me about the ancient and newer temples in the region. <br /><br />I stood at the entrance of the ASI National Heritage monument after a short walk from the bus stop. <br /><br />It was deserted until a lone priest arrived there for puja. This, in spite of the sanctum sanctorum being closed and no deity to be seen. <br /><br />Classic designs<br /><br />The temple is built on a high platform and I could see that the gopuram over the sanctum was not tall like typical Hoysala architectural design. <br /><br />It is built in the trikuta style, with three vimanas. A tall dwajastamba is in front of the structure, guarded by two elephant sculptures. <br /><br />The symmetry and decorations at the top are every bit like the Hoysala architectural design. <br /><br />Lathe-turned, round, decorated pillars support the roof, over which some carvings are still visible.<br /><br />I stood admiring the beautifully decorated elephant sculpture where attention is given to the minutest detail in the necklace and other ornaments adorning the statue. <br /><br />A number of round pillars support the roof in the hall, opposite the sanctum. <br /><br />A few faded roof decorations are seen. </p>.<p><br />The intricate floral designs are pleasing to the eye.<br /><br /> One cannot help but admire the skills of the artisans who took so much patience in carving out such masterpieces, fit to adorn a temple. <br /><br />Figures of gods are placed in front and at the entrance to the door of the sanctum. Some pillars have intricate designs all over them. <br /><br />The outer walls of the Temple bear the typical decorated figures of gods. The gopuram over the sanctum too has idols of gods in small niches.<br /><br /> In some places, panels are missing. Elaborate floral designs are seen around stone idols. <br />Rainwater from the roof is led out in channels.<br /><br /> However, a few panels are discoloured due to exposure to rain and sun. The Temple is set in a small neat garden.<br /><br />Sri Udbhava Ganapathi Temple, a natural rock formation in the shape of Lord Ganesh, is worshipped in the modern temple, maintained by Sri Shankaracharya Mutt of Sringeri. <br /><br />There is also a small Shanimahatma Temple in the vicinity. <br /><br />As I walked in the village, I saw two persons dehusking corn by using a machine. <br /><br />In another place, I saw raw arecanut being boiled and later dried in the sun. <br /><br />Frequent KSRTC buses ply from Chikmagalur to Belavadi, which is within a distance of 25 km en route to Javagal and Arsikere. <br /><br />The Temples are within walking distance. A few small hotels provide food and drinks.<br /></p>
