Image and Feature by Amutha Thinakaran
This Vaishnava temple is a well-preserved Hoysala monument located in the small village of Belavadi,Chikkamagalluru district of Karnataka.
It was built in the 12th century and because of its great archeological significance and history, it is a National heritage site.
The Veera Narayana temple, also called the Trikuta (three shrine) temple, was built by the Hoysala king Veera Balala II.
All three shrines have images of the Hindu god Vishnu in different forms. Each shrine has a tower on top, while the famous temples of Belur and Halebidu are known for their intricate sculptures, this temple is known for its architecture.
Special Features
This is the only trikuta Hoysala temple in which the three shrines are separated by mandapam. There are 108 pillars and no two pillars look alike. The temple was built in soapstone whereas the deities are built in deep black soapstone.
The main shrine is dedicated to Veera Narayana facing the east. Every year on 23rd March the rays of the Sun fall on the deity. His pose displays righteous anger and dharmic justice after killing Shakasura with his chakra.
The north facing shrine is dedicated to Venu Gopala – a form of Krishna playing flute under the Kalpavriksha tree and it is officially certified as one of the most beautiful depictions of Venugopala in India.
The south facing shrine is for Yoga Narasimha. Narasimha is the man-lion incarnation(avatar) of Vishnu. He is squatting with a band to hold both the knees in position.
Garuda Stambha,which is inside the outer gate, is common for all three deities.
Festivals
A festival called Bandi Bana commemorating Bheema, one of the Pandavas, slaying Bakasura is celebrated annually.