- The Channakeshava temple in Belur — a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture — turned 900 this year. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to come up with plans to make it a memorable occasion, the Muzrai Department and Hassan district administration have planned a series of programmes.
- The temple, constructed by Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty, is a monument recognised by the ASI.
- It attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad.
- Considered to be the first temple of Hoysala style, it was built between 1106 and 1117, according to Srivatsa Vati, a historian and an expert in Hoysala architecture.
- “Soon after winning a war in 1104, Vishnuvardhana took up the construction of the temple, and according to an inscription, the temple was ready by March 1117,”
Points to Remember:
- The temple was built between 1106 and 1117.
- It was commissioned by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.
- The temple is regarded a marvel of architecture in typical Hoysala style.
- It commemorates the king’s victory in 1104.
- Belur, along with Halebid, is proposed as a UNESCO heritage site.
- Belur is 40 kilometres from Hassan city.
Source: The Hindu