Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi
A rare three-shrine Hoysala temple
The Veeranarayana temple at Belavadi is an unusually large Hoysala temple with three sanctums (a trikuta plan), set around spacious pillared halls. Identified with the Ekachakranagara of the Mahabharata, it is often visited together with Halebidu and Belur but sees far fewer crowds.
What to do here
- See the three-shrine trikuta layout
- Walk the pillared mandapas
- Combine with Halebidu and Belur
A quieter Hoysala counterpoint to nearby Belur and Halebidu.
History
A 13th-century Hoysala temple; local tradition links Belavadi to Ekachakranagara, where the Pandavas are said to have slain the demon Bakasura.
Travel tips
About 29 km from Chikmagalur town, between Chikmagalur and Halebidu — the natural third stop on a Hoysala day out. A trikuta (three-shrined) temple with an exceptional pillared hall. There is usually a caretaker who will explain the iconography; a tip is appropriate.
Please note
Do: pair it with Halebidu and Belur in one day. Do: remove footwear. Don't: touch the carvings or the polished pillars. Don't: photograph with flash. Don't: come in the middle of the day if you want the light on the reliefs.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi
PremiumTC Resort BND, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 11.2 km from town
PremiumTC Resort GLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 4.4 km from town
PremiumTC Resort SLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 9.9 km from town
PremiumTC Resort HDW, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 24 km from town
Combine your trip
Places near Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi
Sakharayapatna
An old chieftain's town at the foot of the Baba Budan range, and the seat that built Ayyanakere.
TempleKodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur
The town temple where Sita stands on Rama's right — an arrangement you will not find elsewhere.
LakeAyyanakere Lake
One of Karnataka's great old tanks
HeritageCoffee Museum, Chikmagalur
The bean's journey, from Baba Budan to your cup