Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi

Veera Narayana temple in Belavadi is one of the finest and ornately rich Hoysala architecture. It is situated in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, around fifty-five kilometres from Hassan. The ancient name of Belavadi is Ekachakra Nagara. It is believed to be the place where Bhima fought with the demon Bakasura and killed him to protect the local villagers.

The History of Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi

Veera Narayana Temple was constructed during the reign of Hoysala King under the rule of King Veera Ballala II. King Narasimha Ballala expanded it further. The town is famed from the Mahabharata period and the site of Pandavas’ exile. Lord Narayana killed a demon called Shakhasura in this place.

The Architecture of Veera Narayana Temple

It is a Trikutachala temple – meaning three altars. It was sculpted in two stages – first in 1117 CE as Ekakuta temple dedicated to Lord Veera Narayana, later 1200 CE two more garbhagrihas dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Yoga Narasimha were added making it a Trikutachala temple.

The entire temple, which is 270 feet long, is constructed out of soapstone. Each garbha-griha has its own vimana gopura. This temple is famous for its unique architecture. In fact, it is older than Belur and Halebidu temples.

There are eighty-four elephants carved inside the temple and all these elephants are different than each other. They appear to be ready for war. Two elephants at the temple entrance are with legs bent with the strain in their body, appearing as though they are pulling the entire temple like a chariot.

The temple structure is divided into two closed mantapas, one with thirteen compartments and other one with nine compartments. The inner walls of the temple are plain but the outer walls have no empty space where carving is not done.

The breath-taking feature of Belavadi temple is its large Mantapa of 108 pillars. Each pillar is very similar to each other shining like a metal. Some of these pillars are embellished with ornate carvings of patterns and diagrams. There are nine compartments or bhuvaneshwaris formed with these pillars which are decorated with super excellent carvings.

Luckily, this temple was not attacked by any Muslim rulers and till today the temple complex is diligently preserved. Due to the negligence of locals as well as the irresponsible tourists who visit this place, some of the temple stones and carvings are damaged.

The temple is constructed as per the perfect Vaastu and to perfect dimensional details. Every year on March 23^rd, the sun rays fall on the Deity of Lord Veera Narayana after passing through the entire temple complex – seven doors.

The mesmerizing Deities of Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi

As mentioned earlier, the main shrine of Lord Veera Narayana Swamy was constructed first. Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple in Belavadi is unique in fact it is the only such vigraha. The deity Sri Veera Narayana Swamy is installed at 90˚ opposite to East direction.

The deity is standing on the lotus pedestal, holding gada and padma in His upper two hands. The right lower hand is in the Vyaghra Mudra like the pouncing paw of tiger and the left hand is in the Veera Mudra. Sridevi and Bhudevi give darshan on the either side of the Lord. Prabhavali around the Lord has got ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved.

This special form of the Lord was carved to remember the pastime of Lord Narayana who killed a demon named Shakhasura in this place. Since the Lord used Shankha and Chakra to kill him, those two weapons are missing in Lord’s hands.

The Deity of Lord Sri Venugopala in the outer mantapa is exquisitely beautiful. It is considered as the most beautiful Deity of Lord Krishna anywhere in Indian Temples managed by ASI. He is standing under the Kalpavruksha and playing flute. Gopiks, Gopalas, Sages like Sanaka, Sananda, etc., are seen in the prabhavali.

In the southern garbhagriha of Veera Narayana Temple, opposite to Lord Venugopala, there is a Deity of Sri Yoga Narasimha. He is seated in Yoga Mudra with Yoga patta. Lord Yoga Narasimha is seated on the padma-pitha. One can also have darshan of Sridevi and Bhudevi.

These three Deities are made of Shaligrama Shila. They are being worshiped regularly. They are considered very powerful fulfilling the wishes of Their devotees. Devotees staunchly believe that one is blessed with offspring by worshiping Lord Venu Gopala.

Festivals celebrated in Sri Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi

Annual Rathotsava of Sri Veera Narayana Temple is held on the Chaitra Poornima day. Other prominent festivals are Narasimha Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Ratha Saptami and March 23. On day of Shravana Nakshatra, Rohini Nakshatra and Swathi Nakshatra abhisheka is perfomed to Lord Veera Narayana, Lord Venu Gopala, and Lord Yoga Narasimha respectively.

From 1760 the temple is under the patronage of Sringeri Mutt. Pujas are being performed as per the Vaikhanasa Agama Shastras.

Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi Timings

Belavadi Sri Veera Narayana temple is open throughout the year every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Best time to visit Veera Narayana Temple

September to March is a very good time to visit the temple. It is seldom visited by tourists or devotees. Temple looks beautiful and serene especially after the rainy season.

How to reach Veera Narayana Temple Belavadi

The best way to reach Veera Narayana Temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organised.

By Road: Belavadi Sri Veera Narayana is 45 km from Hassan town. 30 km from Chikkamagaluru town, 220 km from Bengaluru. Road transport can be easily availed from these locations. Regular bus services are available from Bengaluru and other prominent towns mentioned.

By Rail: Hassan railway station is the nearest railway station. Apart from that Chikkamagaluru is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bengaluru. Private taxies are available from this airport location