Belavadi

Belavadi is a village situated in Chikmagalur District and is famous for Sri Veera Narayana Temple built in Hoysala architectural style. The place is described as Ekachakranagara of Mahabharata and is said to be the place where Pandava prince Bheema killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people.

While driving from Chitradurga to Halebidu and having nothing better to do while on the road, I stumbled upon this holy city of Belavadi that is a host to multiple monuments that again display the Hoysala culture. One of the main temple then built was the Veera Narayana temple. This temple was built in 13th century by the Hoysala King Veera Bhallala II. This temple is dedicated to Load Vishnu in three different forms. The entrance to the temple is majestic and has two carved elephants on either side of the gateway. The older shrine is in the center, while the other two shrines of Lord Krishna and Lord Narayana, added later, face each other across a long Mandapa.

These two shrines have different plans. One is square while the other is star shaped. The Ranga mandapa of Veera Narayana shrine has beautiful bell shaped pillars and a well decorated roof. The outer walls of the temple have beautifully carved pilasters with decorative towers on top. The main shrine has an 8 feet tall image of Veera Narayana with four hands which is considered one of the best examples of Hoysala art.

The northern shrine has a 7 feet tall idol of Yoganarasimha in a sitting posture, holding Shanka and Chakra, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi standing on either side. The southern shrine has a wonderful 8 feet image of Venugopala playing flute.

How to reach Belavadi

I was on a circular route that started from Bangalore and ended at Bangalore. I travelled from Bangalore to Chitradurga Fort , then did the twin cities of Halebidu & Belur, followed by visiting the Sunken Church at Shettihalli and then back to Bangalore

How to reach Belavadi by Air

The nearest domestic Airport from Belavadi is Mysore Airport, roughly three hour drive from Halebidu town. The airport is well connected to many major cities of the country. The nearest International Airport is Bengaluru International Airport, Bangalore, roughly four hour drive from Halebidu.  Frequent Flights to various national and international destinations take off from here.

How to reach Belavadi by Rail

The nearest railway stations from Belavadi are Hassan. Smet Mysore Express, Mys Shimoga Express, Sharavati Express, Mysore Express, Sharavathi Express, Kannur Express and Dwr Mysore Express are the major trains for the all stations of Hassan district area. One will need to take a train to Hassan and then drive to Balavadi in local transport

How to reach Belavadi by Road

Belavadi is about 14 Kms from Halebidu and is connected through Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and some private travel services.