The Beluru temple courtyard
Saumyanaki Temple
This is an important temple dedicated to Goddess Sridevi towards the southwest of Chennakeshava Temple. It has a Garbhagriha, Sukanasi and a Mandapa. The temple is adorned with a vimana or shikhara which is said to resemble the original vimana of the Keshava temple that has been brought down. The outer wall is adorned with sculptures.
Ranganayaki (Andal) Temple
The Andal temple, also called Ranganayaki shrine, is to the northwest of the Chennakesava temple has been built in memory of the poet-saint Alwar. She is believed to be an incarnation of Mahalakshmi and is the only female among the 12 Vaishanavite Alvar saints of South India.
Viranarayana Temple
The same compound houses another temple named Viranarayan to the west of Chennakesava. It is an ekakuta, Vaishnava temple.
The southern end of this main temple lies Kappe Chennigaraya, consecrated by the queen of Vishnuvardhan, Shantaladevi, the same year as the main temple.
Ocean of artistry, Kala-sagara
The Beluru temple is locally referred to as Kalasagar (ocean of artistry) for its breathtakingly beautiful carvings and fine sculptures. The beauty is so expressive that one can feel life inside these non-living stone structures.
How to Reach
The Chennakeshava Temple is located in Belur and is about 35 kilometres northwest of Hassan. The temple is about 16 kilometres from Halebudu temples. Belur has no nearby airport and is 200 kilometres west of Bengaluru, about 3.5 hours drive accessible with a four-lane NH75 highway. Hassan is the closest city near Belur that is connected by the railway network.
Festivals
The annual Rathotsava is the major festival celebrated in Belur in the month of March-April, twelve days after Ugadi or the Kannadiga New Year. The celebrations last two days when the Utsava Murti is drawn on a huge wooden chariot.
Travel Tips
The preferred months to visit are from October to March, that too in the early mornings. Due to the stone becoming too hot to walk on when temperatures rise.
A good, certified guide is a must, if one does not want to miss out important aspects of the temple.
Hassan is the nearest town with decent and comfortable hotels.