Sri Veeranarayana Temple at Belavadi is one the superb examples where in unique temple plan is executed. The temple is a trikuta (three towers), the main idol of Sri Veeranarayana in the center facing East, Sri Venugopala facing North and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south.
About Sri Veeranarayana Temple :
Attractions Of Sri Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi in Karnataka :
Belavadi Sri.Veeranarayana Temple is one the classical example where in unique temple plan is executed. The temple is a trikuta having Sri.Veeranarayana in the center facing East, Sri.Venugopala facing North and Sri.Yoganarasimha facing South.
The temple is belived to be constructed in two phases, earlier the central shrine was constructed and later on the additions were made, but truly this temple is a marvel and possess the most beautiful images of Sri.Venugopala as Certified by the Archaeological Survey of India.
As one enters the temple from the main entrance, one can see a huge entrance with slanting roofs covering it, this reminds me of the Tulunadu style roofing (one can observe such kind of roofings in Udupi Sri.Anatheshwara Temple just opposite to Sri.Krishna Mutt). Upon proceeding further, you see two Vimanas beautifully decorated with various images and separated by more than 100 feet in distance. This is the only temple which I have come across which is a trikuta and all the three kutas are widely spread across.
You find few steps to get into the temple, two Elephants at the Dwara, welcomes you majestically. As you go further, you find a huge Navaranga completely filled with beautifully carved pillars, onto to your right you will find Sri.Yoganarasimha, sitting in Yoga posture with a Yoga belt tied upon. One can see the Dashavathara in the Prabhavali, Lord is holding Shanku(Conch) and Chakra(Disc) in either hands and the other two hands are resting on his knees facing downwards. The image is so beautifully carved, one feels like spending more time, just by gazing at it. One can make fine observations and find out the Jari(Border) design carefully executed on the Yoga Patti(belt). You can also find Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side of the Sri.Yoganarasimha in standing posture.
Onto to your left, you’ll find the Sri.Venugopala which is in standing position under the Honne tree, holding a flute in his hands. The facial expression of the Lord is so charming, that one can clearly make out, he is enjoying playing his flute with his left eye slightly closed. He is standing in a Tribhangi position, where in his right leg is in front of left leg, he is supporting himself using his thumb to bear the weight, his abdomen is slightly bent to balance himself. On the either side of the image, you can find Shravan Kumaras in folded hand position, three Gopikas who are completely engrossed listening the Venu Vaadana(flute recital), one Gopika has completely forgotten about herself and she is not bothered to cover herself while her Vyjayantika(Duppatta) has completely fallen down. The cow which is feeding its calf, does not even bother to take care of it and it is completely listening to Kolalu, the Gopalakas are merily dancing and enjoying the recital as well. One can also find Sri.Rukmini and Sri.Sathyabhama on either side of Sri.Venugopala in standing position.
Upon walking further you find one more Navaranga Mantapa with approach from both the side(North and South). Each of the Navarangas are richly decorated with superb ceilings depicting various stories from Bhagavatha. The Nagamandala is quite unique design where one finds it impossible to find the end of the Naga(Serpent God).
Architecture Sri Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi :
This ornate trikuta (three tower) temple was built in 1200 C.E. by Hoysala Empire KIng Veera Ballala II. The material used is Soapstone.Each of the shrines has a complete superstructure (tower on top of shrine) and is one of the largest examples of Hoysala architecture. While the famous temples at Belur and Halebidu are known for their intricate sculptures, this one is known for its architecture.
The plan of this temple is unique in that two of the shrines face each other on either side of a wide and spacious open mantapa (hall) containing 37 bays. There is also an older shrine containing a closed mantapa with 13 bays and a closed mantapa with 9 bays at the end of which is a central shrine. This third shrine is an older construction and exhibits a perfect Hoysala architectural idiom containing all the basic elements of Hoysala temple. The inner walls of the older shrine are plain, but its roof is well decorated. In all, the temple has 59 bays, indicating the use of many pillars, most of which are lathe-turned and hence bell shaped while others have carvings on them. The outer wall of the temple shows the older Hoysala style where there is one eave running around the temple where the superstructure meets the wall of the shrine; below this are decorative towers on pilasters. A panel of Hindu deities and their attendants are below these miniature towers followed by a set of five different mouldings forming the base of the wall.
The newer structure containing the two symmetrical shrines have different plans. One shrine is square while the other is star shaped. The tower of the shrine below the kalasa consists of three tiers of decorated miniature roofs. They also have different shaped sukanasi which consist of two tiers of decorated miniature roofs. In all other aspects the two shrines are identical. All shrines have well-sculptured decoration on the towers and the sculptures on the walls are bold and look good from a distance.The important sculptures with fine finish are that of Lord Krishna dancing on the head of Kalia the serpent and Garuda (eagle).
History :
The Veera Narayana Temple was built by Hoysala Empire and is located in Belavadi, a small village in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The temple was built in 1200 C.E. by King Veera Ballala II. The entire temple is crafted out of soapstone with the touch of Hoysala architecture. The temple has three shrines and has a spacious open hall containing 37 bays. Out of the three shrines, the third shrine is the oldest construction and has all the elements of Hoysala architecture which would take your breath away!
It is believed that Veera Narayana Temple was constructed in two phases. The temple is exquisitely crafted and is one of the architectural marvels of India. The temple is a ‘trikuta’ (possessing 3 towers) with Sri Veera Narayana in the center facing east, Sri Venugopala facing north and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south. The interesting fact about this temple is that unlike all the temples, Veera Narayana Temple is not star-shaped. The shrines of Lord Krishna and Lord Narayana were added later on. The Archaeological Survey of India has voted the idol of Lord Krishna here as the most beautiful of all Krishna sculptures in the world.
Location :
The Veera Narayana temple is located in Belavadi (Kannada: ಬೆಳವಾಡಿ), a village in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka state, India. The temple was built by the Hoysala Empire. This village was also known as Ekachakranagara, a place mentioned in Mahabharatha where Bheemasena killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people. Belavadi is 29 km southeast of Chikmagalur town on the Chikmagalur-Javagal highway and 10 km north of Halebidu. It is at a very convenient distance from the famous temple towns of Belur and Halebidu, and a visit to this quiet town is a rewarding experience.
