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Belur
 Belur is a traditional south Indian city in the state of Karnataka and once served as the capital of the Hoysala Empire. Along with Halebid, it features among the foremost tourist spots in the district of Hassan in Karnataka. Velapuri was another name and people used to refer the town this way once. Belur has created its charm to be recognized as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The place forever warps serenity around it, and it’s due to the distinguished temple of Channakeshava.
Belur attracts a vast number of tourists for its prime structure, i.e. the Chennakeshava temple. The temple splendidly exhibits the magnificence of Hoysala architecture. The temple was built in 1117 AD by King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate the conquest over the Viceroy of Talakadu. If the Hindu legends and mythologies are to be believed, then the temple of Belur took 103 years to compete.
Attraction in Belur
The Chennakeshava temple is the prime structure at Belur and draws enormous interests from travellers. With more than 100 years and three generations in completion, the temple marks the essence of Hoysala architecture. Elephants, the Indian mythological epics and sensuous dancers all depict the delicacy and craftsmanship used up in the temple.
Everything has been carved in black stone giving the impression of metal. Right at the entrance, you will see the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier with almost 650 charging elephants on wall painting. The calm, humorous and affectionate figures of Madanikas on the walls and the Hand-Lathefurned shining pillars inside make it truly a unique structure in its own splendour.
Besides the temple, Belur is liked for its excursions to the near by places. It also offers tourists a prospect to take a trip to Halebid, at just half an hour away. The visit to the Hoyasaleesware Temple at Halebid is a famous ritual, and carried out by vast number of tourists. A few other temples of Jain and Hindu deities provide enough sightseeing opportunity for those with spiritual mind. Besides, one can also use Belur to visit the site like Kedareshwara temple and other Jain Temples. The Shravanabelagola, the major pilgrim centre of Jainism can also be visited easily from Belur.
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