Belavadi Veeranarayana swamy temple - A 1000 year old Hidden Treasure
A short 30 min drive from the famous Halebeedu is the Veeranarayana Swamy Temple.
While Halebeedu and Belur are the most popular and sort after destinations under Hoysala temples , Belavadi is a lesser known temple at just a short drive from Halebeedu.
Its definitely a well kept secret in a small village.
Unlike many other Hoysala temples which are partially destructed by wars and attacks this one has been luckily safe though there has been some climatic impact on the 1000 year old temple.
Architecture
Like all the Hoysalaya temples Veeranarayana Swamy temple is also built over an elevated platform which looks like a star from an areal view. It falls under the Trikuta category of temples with three dieties and three gopura's.
As you enter the temple , you are welcomed by well carved elephants on either sides of the stairs to the elevated star shaped platform. As you move on you will be in the mandapa which houses 108 pillars , and each significantly different.
The outer shrine and the lathed pillars are built out of soap stone as it is easier to carve.
Unlike the other Hoysala temples where the intricate carvings on the outer sanctum of the temple are given more importance , here in Veeranarayana Swamy temple the Idols are carved out with immense detail and are an eye candy.
It is said that the temple took around 30 to 35 years to be constructed. This fact made us wondering about the Spiritual lifestyle of people in Ancient India and astounded by the technology they should have had to construct such a marvel.
The Serenity and calmness that one can experience in this 1000 year old temple has no words to describe.
Deities
The temple houses three deities , hence is a Trikuta.
Veeranarayana Swamy - Narayana Swamy here is seen with a weapon in hand , hence the name Veera ( Brave ) Narayana ( Hindu Lord Vishnu )
Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Sathyabama - Lord Krishna here is the most significant statue. Lord Krishna stands under a Kalpavriksha alongside Rukmini and Sathyabama , also on noticing keenly you can find cows carved under the Kalpavriksha.
While the intricate carvings are astounding , the statue of Lord Krishna himself is a art of beauty , carved out of Saligramam known to be one of the hardest rock.The shine and beauty of the Idol increases each time after an Abhishegam due to the properties of Saligramam. You can still notice the reflecting shining speckles Idol even now centuries after they were carved.
The Archeology department of India surveyed all the idols of Lord Krishna across the country and certified this idol as the most beautiful one, the sight of the Lord is something that will be stuck in your head even days after your visit. The beauty is not something to be described but something to be witnessed.
Lord Yoga Narasimha - The third idol is of Lord Yoga Narasimha , Lord Narasimha goes into Yoga mudra to pacify his anger after killing Hiranyakasipu.
Miracle of the sun and architecture
The priest says every year on a particular day , the sunlight falls directly on the feet of the deity in the inner sanctum and travels up his head and crown.
This happens on the same day every year and the phenomenon lasts only for a few minutes.
How to reach:
Route : Halebeedu - NH73 - Belavadi
Road Condition: Good
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