Monday, December 4, 2017

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi

Veera Narayana Temple located in Belavadi is an ancient 12th century temple carved in soapstone. This temple comprising of three shrines was built during the rule of the Hoysala King Veera Ballala II.


In this temple with unique architecture each  of the three shrines has a complete by itself with tower on top of the shrine. Among the three shrines, two of the shrines face each other and are located on either side of a wide and spacious open hall with thirty seven bays.


The central shrine is much older and its inner walls are plain with well decorated roof. In all, the temple complex has fifty nine bays that is exhibited by many pillars. While most of these pillars are lathe-turned and bell shaped, some have decorative carvings on them. 


The outer wall of the temple has many eaves running around the temple. Below this are miniature decorative towers on pilasters. A panel of Hindu deities and their attendants are below this eves followed by a set of five moldings that form the base of the wall.


All shrines have sculptured decoration on the towers, and the sculptures on the walls are bold and are visible from a distance. These beautiful sculptures represent various forms of deity of the temple.


26 comments:

rupam sarma said...

Awesome temple. Fantastic pics.

Gillena Cox said...

Happy Mosaic Monday Rajesh

much love...

krishna said...

Stunning sculptures!!

Al said...

Absolutely fantastic.

Angie said...

As usual, your posts are fascinating for the architecture and artistry. Does soapstone stand up well to weather?

Little Wandering Wren said...

Hi Rajesh - as usual, incredible carvings and decorations on this temple. I wonder how long it took to complete?

Lady Fi said...

How gorgeous!

Maggie said...

I think that these must be the most highly decorated shrines that you have shown us on your travels, they are simply amazing. Have a great week.

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh, Rajesh, I'm sure I always say the same thing. At least, I know I always think the same thing...you and your magnificent country are amazing. So much beauty, so much magnificent architecture, and all of it far, far older than anything here in Canada or the US, older than anything in Europe as well. Fabulous!
Thank you for sharing with us.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Anonymous said...

i really like the ;parralex in the second one

ABC-Wednesday said...

Wonderful building...all those statues are amazing

I wonder... how much time it would take to visit all those tempels you've shown thus far


Have a ♥-warming ABC-Wednes-day / - week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (ABC-W-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/21-v

Anonymous said...

lovely.

Roger Owen Green said...

the tower is an interesting feature!

ROG, ABCW

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Astounding!

Beverley Baird said...

What a fabulous building - stunning photos!

Lady Fi said...

Fantastic details!

Lady In Read said...

love these temples.. though was not aware of this one, it looks very similar to the temple at Harihar, Karnataka..

Pat Tillett said...

An amazing place Rajesh!
There was not a single building of any type in my country in the 12th century.
Your posts always amaze me. Thanks so much!

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Beautiful captures...

Sharon Wagner said...

Intricate and extravagant carvings. Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Nice look :)

Thomas Lee/Lee Lip Pang said...

Beautiful stone carving

Jeevan said...

Your post really inspiring to visit this temple! Marvelous sculptures and detail

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The carvings and sculptures are beautiful as all the temples you show us -- it is nice to know they are visible from a distance. The picture of the hallway is magical ... it seems like you could go on forever.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Wonderful pictures, as always! Its delightful to read of your travels

Vilt og vakkert said...

Heisann, interesting, artistic architecture, strange to me ;:OD)
Wish you a Merry Christmas :_OD)