Heritage Karnataka Hampi Badami Pattadakal Aihole Lakkundi Kittur Chennamma Fort Chitradurga Fort Bijapur Gulbarga Fort Bidar Fort Mysore Palace Srirangapatna Somnathpur Belur Helebidu Bangalore Palace Tipu's Fort And Palace Bellary Fort Adi Chunchanagiri       District: Hassan   Hassan - 38km Bangalore - 220km   Hassan - 38km   Mangalore - 154km Bangalore - 260km STD Code: 08172     On the banks of the Yagachi river in Belur, a star-shaped temple with hand lathe-turned filigreed pillars and sculptures will take your breath away. It is the only Hoysala temple still in active worship. Friezes of charging elephants, each different from the other, mythological figures, military scenes, dancers and musicians, and elaborate decorative motifs charge the imagination. The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier, stands at the entrance facing the temple, palms touching in homage. The most marvellous specimens of Hoysala architecture, found exclusively at Belur, are the angled bracket figures depicting celestial nymphs. The beautiful and expressive nymphs are depicted singing, dancing or executing daily chores. They are adorned with a wealth of detail in their makeup, jewellery, and coiffures. The smooth circular platform in front of the shrine displays a sculpture of Shanthala Devi, King Vishnuvardhana's queen. Equally impressive are the temples of Chennigaraya, Viranarayana, Sridevi, and Bhoodevi, all in the same complex.