Temple Description

The Veera Narayana temple, also known as the Viranarayana temple of Belavadi, is a prominent example of Hoysala architecture, completed around 1200 CE. Situated near Halebidu in the village of Belavadi, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India, this well-preserved temple is a significant Hoysala monument.

The temple features a unique design with three square sanctums connected by an unusually large square ranga-mandapa (103 feet). The main shrine, oriented east, is dedicated to Viranarayana (a form of Vishnu). To the north is a shrine for Gopala, and to the south is a shrine for Yoga-Narasimha. The temple underwent several phases of expansion before suffering damage in the 14th century, after which additional features were added to safeguard it from further harm. Noteworthy aspects of this stellate-style temple include its intricately decorated Vesara superstructures (shikara) with detailed, jewelry-like ornamentation. Inside, the temple boasts finely polished pillars, some adorned to resemble jewels, and ceilings featuring unusual panels depicting Hindu legends related to Krishna.