Sri Ganesha Temples

25/03/2025

22/03/2025

Mumbai Sept 2024

Mahalakshmi temple:

Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi
The Mahalakshmi temple is situated in the heart of Mumbai in a place named Mahalakshmi, after the Goddess Mahalakshmi temple. This temple is one of Mumbaikars favorite temples. The wealth of Mumbai is attributed to the Mahalakshmi residing here at Mumbai. As per records this temple was constructed between 1761 A.D. and 1771 A.D.

Location of temple:

The temple is situated on the shores of Arabian sea. There are souvenir shops and shops that sell flowers, garlands and pooja articles along the way to the temple.

On entering we can see the Dhwajstambham and also a Deepmala carved in stone. Then on entering the Sabhamandap we can see a silver idol of a Lion, in the centre of the Sabhamandap facing the deities.

There are small idols of Shree Ganesha and Vittal and Rukhmani on two sides outside the Garbagraha or the Sanctum Sanatorium. Inside the Garbagriha the deities of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi seated on a beautifully carved throne covered with silver sheets.

Temple Festivals:

Navaratri and Diwali are the special events that are celebrated at Shree Mahalakshmi Temple,‘Chaitra Navaratra’ in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and ‘Ashwin Navaratra’ in the month Ashwin(September –October) and Deepavali during October - November.

During Navaratri festival, the temple is decorated from the entrance to inner sanctum. Entire temple surrounding is decorated beautifully with serial lights, flowers and garlands.

The first three days, Shree Mahakali or Durga is worshipped. The next three days Shree Mahalakshmi is worshipped and during the last three days,Saraswathi is worshipped culminating in Viajayadasami day.

Annakut is a festival held on the day of Kartik Pournima, celebrated in this temple after the Deepavali festival when 56 types of various sweets and food items are offered to the three Godesses as naivedya, and then they are distributed to the devotees.

Margashirsha or Margazhi month (December and January) is considered very auspicious, and devotees offer their prayers sitting in front of Sabha Mandap.

Palkhi of Mataji Palkhi procession takes place on ‘Gudhi Padwa’, on the 1st day of the Marathi New year in the month Chaitra (March-April). Chaitra Navratra starts on 1st day of Chaitra. Palkhi procession takes place on 17th June every year being the anniversary day of the ‘Dhwjasthambha’ which was erected in front of the temple near deepsthambha.

Dhwjasthambha was dedicated at the hands of Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti. During palkhi procession lot of devotees take part and pray to the Goddesses for their welfare.

Deepavali and Lakshmi Pooja are very famous here with devotees thronging the temple.

Temple location:

Located in the heart of the city on the shores of the Arabian sea at Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi West, Cumballa Hill,

Temple Timings:

The temple is open from 7:00 am till 9:30 pm.

To get to this temple :

Air:
The nearest airport is Mumbai.

Train:
There are three major ralway stations that connects Mumbai to all part of the country.

Road:
Plenty of taxis are available (no auto rickshaws are allowed at this part of the city), and buses stop at this important place.

Temple address:
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple
Bhulabhai Desai Road,
Mumbai-400 026.

Temple contact number:
Tel No. : 022-2351 4732
Fax No. : 022-2351 3831

Email ID :
[email protected]

Useful data
State:Maharashtra
District: Mumbai

Seasons:
Summer 33-42°C,
Winter 18-24°C

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22/03/2025

Mumbai Sept 2024

Maharashtra Ahmednagar

Shani Shingnapur Temple:
TYuga. However, no one is sure of the exact time.
In Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district lies Shani Shingnapur Temple, a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shani, the celestial deity associated with the planet Saturn.

Unlike any other temple in India, this sacred place stands out for its open-air shrine and the astonishing village tradition of houses without doors.

A visit to Shani Shingnapur isn’t just about seeking blessings—it’s about experiencing a divine legend that has defied the test of time and continues to leave visitors spellbound.

Temple History:

The origins of the Shani Shingnapur Temple are as mystical as the deity it houses. According to an old legend, centuries ago, after a heavy downpour, villagers discovered a massive black stone floating in the Panasnala River. When a curious shepherd prodded the stone with a stick, it miraculously started bleeding.

That very night, Lord Shani appeared in his dreams, revealing his divine presence within the stone and instructing him to install it in the village. However, there was one condition—the idol must remain under the open sky, without any shelter above it.

The villagers honored this celestial decree, and to this day, the idol of Lord Shani stands uncovered, symbolizing his ever-watchful gaze over his devotees. Worshippers believe that those who visit with a pure heart are blessed with protection from misfortune and negativity.

The Temple Complex:

The simplicity of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is what makes it extraordinary. Unlike conventional temples adorned with ornate carvings and towering domes, this shrine consists solely of a five-and-a-half-foot black stone idol standing on a raised platform under the vast sky.

Flanking the idol is a trident (Trishula), Lord Shiva’s sacred bull (Nandi), and Lord Hanuman’s figure, enhancing the spiritual aura of the site. Devotees perform rituals such as ‘Abhishekam’, where oil is poured over the idol to pacify Lord Shani’s influence.

Saturdays and new moon days (Amavasya) are considered especially auspicious, drawing thousands of pilgrims eager to seek relief from Saturn’s planetary malefic effects. Some devotees even walk barefoot for miles to reach the temple, demonstrating their deep reverence.

Daily Rituals and Vibrant Festivities:

The daily rituals and vibrant festivities of Shani Shinganapur create an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual fervor. Known as the temple of Lord Shani, the daily practices begin early in the morning with a ritualistic bath of the idol of Lord Shani (black stone), followed by aarti and mantra chanting to invoke blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.

Devotees flock to the temple throughout the day, offering oil, black sesame seeds, and flowers to the deity as part of their prayers. Special prayers are performed on Saturdays, the day dedicated to Lord Shani, with large crowds participating in Shani Jayanti and other significant festivals.

During Shani Amavasya, the temple experiences its peak, with pilgrims coming from across the country to offer their respects. The festival is marked by bhajans, kirtans, and processions that add a festive spirit to the otherwise calm and sacred environment.

The absence of a traditional temple structure—where the idol of Lord Shani is kept under an open sky—further highlights the uniqueness of the place. The simplicity and authenticity of the rituals, combined with the vibrant celebrations during the major festivals, make Shani Shinganapur a revered destination for devotees seeking divine blessings, offering a truly spiritual and immersive experience.

The Village Without Doors:

Imagine living in a place where houses, shops, and even banks have no doors or locks, yet crime is unheard of. Welcome to Shani Shingnapur, where faith in Lord Shani’s protection is so strong that the entire village has embraced a doorless existence.

Locals believe that any attempt at theft will result in immediate divine punishment, ensuring a crime-free community for centuries. Even modern institutions like the UCO Bank have upheld this tradition, operating without locks as a testament to the village’s unwavering faith.

This incredible aspect of Shani Shingnapur isn’t just a religious belief, it’s a powerful statement about trust, devotion, and divine justice in action.

A Journey of Faith and Devotion:
Shani Shingnapur isn’t just another temple—it’s a living legend that continues to defy logic and captivate believers. From the mysterious self-manifested idol of Lord Shani to the doorless homes of the villagers, this sacred place is a true marvel of faith and divine justice.

Whether you come seeking blessings for a trouble-free life, fascination with an ancient mystery, or simply an unforgettable spiritual journey, a visit to Shani Shingnapur will leave you in awe.

The energy of the temple, the unwavering belief of the locals, and the serene village atmosphere make this a destination that every spiritual seeker must experience at least once in their lifetime.

Best Time to Visit:

Shani Shingnapur is open to visitors throughout the year, but if you want to experience the temple at its liveliest, November to February is the ideal time.

The cool, pleasant weather makes it comfortable for devotees to explore the temple grounds without the sweltering summer heat. For those seeking the most powerful spiritual experience, visiting on a Saturday is a must. Since Saturdays are considered Lord Shani’s special day, the temple buzzes with heightened energy as thousands of devotees gather to perform special rituals.

Grand festivals like Shani Jayanti, the deity’s birthday celebration, or on Shani Amavasya, elaborate prayers and processions create an electrifying spiritual atmosphere.

To reach Shani Shingnapur:

Reaching this divine destination is easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. Whether you prefer to fly, take a train, or embark on a scenic road trip, getting to Shani Shingnapur is convenient for pilgrims from all over India.

The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, located about 90 kilometers away. From there, taxis and buses are readily available to take you directly to the temple.

Rahuri railway station is (32 km away), but larger and more connected stations like Ahmednagar (35 km) and Shrirampur (54 km) provide frequent train services to major cities. After reaching these stations, travelers can hire cabs or board local buses to reach the temple.

The temple is well-connected by highways, making it a smooth drive from cities like-
Shirdi (70 km),
Ahmednagar (35 km),
Pune (160 km),
Mumbai (300 km).
State-run MSRTC buses and private taxis operate frequently, making road travel a popular choice for visitors.

Dress Code:

Traditional Indian attire preferred-
Men:
Dhoti / Kurta or formal wear

Women:
Saree / Salwar Kameez

Clean and modest clothing essential.

Timing:
Open daily
from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Temple contact number:

+91 2427 238110 or +91 2427 238108.

Temple address:

Shri Shanaishwar Devasthan
Shanishingnapur,
District.: Ahamadnagar
Pin. 414 105. Maharashtra, India.

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20/03/2025

Mumbai- Sept 2024

Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple
Aurangabad-Maharashtra :

A Sacred and Ancient Shrine of Lord Shiva

One of the most sacred and ancient shrines of Lord Shiva, Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple in Maharashtra. This temple, also known as the Ghushmeshwar Temple, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or self-manifested lingas of Lord Shiva that are considered to be the holiest and most powerful. The temple is located near the Ellora Caves and is believed to be more than 1000 years old.

Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple is known for its exquisite architecture, sculptures, and paintings that depict various aspects of Hinduism. Here is everything you need to know about the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple is a famous d.tourist attraction in Aurangabad

The Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple is located in the village of Verul, about 30 kilometers from the Aurangabad city center and 11 kilometers from the Ellora Caves. The temple is situated on the banks of a stream called Shivalaya.

How to Reach Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple

You can reach the Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the temple, which will take about an hour.

The nearest airport is Aurangabad, which has domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the temple, which will take about an hour and a half.

Things to Do/See Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple

The Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the temple are:

Worshipping the Jothilinga:

You can worship the Jothilinga or the self-manifested linga of Lord Shiva that is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The Jothilinga is made of red stone and has a diameter of about 60 cm and a height of about 90 cm. It is adorned with flowers and vermilion and has a silver snake coiled around it. You can also offer prayers and offerings like milk, water, honey, sandalwood, etc. to the Jothilinga and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Admire the architecture: You can admire the architecture of the temple that showcases the skills and styles of different periods and dynasties like Rashtrakuta, Yadava, Bahmani, Mughal, Maratha, etc.

The temple has a five-tiered shikhara or spire that rises to a height of about 240 feet. The temple has various features like mandapas, gopurams, pillars, arches, windows, etc. that are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.

Explore the sculptures: You can explore the sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings of the temple that depict various themes like Shiva Parvati, Shiva Lingodbhava, Shiva Nataraja, Shiva Gajasura Samhara, Shiva Tripurantaka, etc. The sculptures are made of basalt rock and have a high degree of realism and expression.
Significance of Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple

The Grishneshwar Jothilinga Temple is not only a tourist destination but also a spiritual and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It is one of the 12 Jothilingas that are considered to be the most sacred and powerful shrines of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.

Legend:

The Grishneshwar Linga, is said to have emerged from a legend about Goddess Parvati, where the circular movements of her hands while mixing vermillion created friction, from which Lord Shiva appeared as a bright light and then a linga, named "Grishneshwar".

It is also associated with the legend of a devout woman named Kusuma who worshipped Lord Shiva with great devotion and was blessed with a son named Ghushma who was later killed by her sister-in-law out of jealousy.

Lord Shiva then appeared in front of Kusuma and restored her son’s life and also manifested himself as a Jothilinga at this place. The temple is a symbol of the faith and devotion of the devotees who visit this place to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Best Time To Visit:
October to March

Opening Hours:
5:00 am - 9:00 pm

Entry fee:
No entry fees

Address:
Ghrishneshwar Temple Rd, Verul,
Aurangabad, Maharashtra, 431102, India

Location:
Verul village, Aurangabad district,
Maharashtra, India

Contact Number:
+91-9890444342

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19/03/2025

Mumbai- Sept 2024

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple:

Jothilingas are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva; it is believed that Lord Shiva himself visited these places and hence they have a special place in the hearts of devotees. There are 12 of them in India.
Jothilinga means ‘column or pillar of light’. The ‘stambha’ symbol represents that there is no beginning or end.

When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument about who was the supreme god, Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light and asked each one to find the ends. Neither could do it. It is believed that the places where these columns of light fell is where the jothilingas are located.

Trimbakeshwar Jothilinga is only one of the 12 jothilingas in India that does not only honor Lord Shiva but the other two gods in the Holy Trinity - Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma as well.
Trimbakeshwar Jothilinga located:

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is located in Trimbak, which is about 28 km from Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The Godavari River originates near Trimbak. There are three hills surrounding this temple – Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri.

History of Trimbakeshwar Jothilinga:

This Shiva temple was built by Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire, Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, in the mid-18th century.

Special features of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple:

The entire temple is built with black stone. The main feature of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is that the jothilinga has three faces representing the gods - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. They all exist within the hollow space within the Shivalinga. Hence the name Trimbakeshwara (Three Lords). They are covered by a jewelled crown that is believed to date to the era of the Pandavas.
You will also find images of Rama, Krishna, Ganga, Parasurama and Kedarnath among others. There are also monasteries of saints in this temple.

The temple has a well called Amritavarshini. It also has a Kushavarta or sacred pond, which is believed to be the source of the Godavari.

Story behind Trimbakeshwar Jothilinga:

It is said that Gautama rishi lived on the Brahmagiri hills along with his wife, Ahalya. While there was famine everywhere else on the land, inside the rishi’s ashram, there were abundant food grains. This was because the gods had blessed him because of his steadfast devotion and regular prayers. The other rishis felt jealous of him and sent a cow into his fields.

When Gautama tried to frighten the cow away from his fields, it died. For the sin of killing a cow, Gautama worshipped Lord Shiva to release the Ganga River and let her flow into his ashram to purify it. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva released Ganga and told her to stay there. The Kushavarta or sacred pond that exists now is the source of the Godavari. (People worship the Godavari as Ganga.) The sage requested Lord Shiva also to make the site his abode, which the Lord did in the form of the jothilinga.
Interesting facts about Trimbakeshwar Jothilinga:
In all the other sites of jothilingas, Lord Shiva is the main deity. This is the only place that also honors Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

The famous pilgrimage festival, Kumbha Mela, occurs here once every 12 years.

Devotees believe that a visit to this temple will wash away their sins.

While you can visit this spiritual spot at any time in the year, it would be best to visit it during the winter months - between October and March. If you visit on a Monday, you will be able to see the weekly exhibition of the jewelled crown of the jothilinga.
Visiting this ancient and divine destination during Mahashivratri would be the ultimate treat for any devotee!

Temple Darshan Pass:

VIP Darshan Pass:
For a more convenient and expedited experience, you can purchase a VIP Darshan Pass at the main gate of the temple. The VIP Darshan Pass costs ₹200 and allows for a quicker and more comfortable visit.

Free Darshan:
If you choose the free darshan option, be prepared for a potentially longer wait time, which can range from one to four hours depending on the crowd and conditions.

Both options offer a chance to experience the divine ambiance of the Trimbakeshwar Temple, but the VIP pass ensures a more streamlined visit.

Temple location:

One of the most common queries among travelers is how to reach Trimbakeshwar from Nashik, another prominent city in Maharashtra. Let’s delve into the various transportation options and essential details for a seamless journey. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major religious destination in Maharashtra. It is situated around 28 kilometers from Nashik, and travelers often seek the most convenient ways to reach this sacred temple. Here’s a breakdown of the transportation options for a smooth journey to the temple:

By Air
Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport – approximately 40 km from Trimbakeshwar.
International Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai – about 166 km from the temple.

By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Nashik Road Railway Station – about 40 km from Trimbakeshwar.

By Road
From Nashik: Trimbakeshwar is about 27 km from the Central Bus Stand in Nashik. You can board regular MSRTC buses, which take approximately 45 minutes to reach the temple. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle, making the trip a scenic journey.

Transportation from Nashik Road, you can easily find buses, taxis, or auto rickshaws that regularly travel to Trimbakeshwar.

Temple Address:
Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Mandir,
Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212, India

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, contact number:
+91 2594-233215 or +91 2594-234251

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18/03/2025

Karnataka: Feb 2025

Murudeshwar temple:

The Murudeshwar temple is located in the Murudeshwar bhatkal taluk in Karnataka and is located on the Kanduka Giri hills, the temple's beauty is even more enhanced by the presence of the Arabian Sea on all three sides of the temple which attracts many tourists. It is popular among tourists because Murudeshwar or Sri Mridesh Shiva temple is near several other tourist attractions. The main attraction of this temple which draws tourists, is the breathtaking beauty of the Murudeshwar temple and the gateway.

Temple infor:-

Its 249 feet tall entrance known as the Raja Gopuram and its second tallest Shiva status make the ocean lapping behind it breathtaking, and it can be used for beach vibes and religious walks. People gather here to make heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva on behalf of places in India and abroad. Even a passing glimpse of the gigantic Shiva at a nearby temple changes the atmosphere to one of holiness.

Even though the temple is hundreds of years old the beauty of the temple is still majestic. This temple has recently been renovated, apart from the inner sanctum. With the help of the lift, all age groups of devotees can now reach the top of the temple with ease.

The Murudeshwar temple is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Karnataka because of the enormous Shiva statue, not only the 123 ft Shiva temple, visitors from all over the world also come to admire the front’s 20 storey (237 ft) Gopuram.

Specialty of the temple:

The second tallest Shiva statue in the world is the Shiva statue of the Murudeshwar temple, after the one in Nepal known as the kailashnath Mahadev statue. The statue is built in such a way that when sunlight falls directly into it, its appearance sparks all the time.

At the bottom of the hill there is Rameshwaram lingam where devotees can perform rituals on their own without a priest. There is a huge Gopuram at the entrance which is 249 feet high.
Pancha Kshetra of Karnataka

The Murudeshwar Temple is considered to be one of the five holy places, or kshetras, of Lord Shiva in Karnataka, along with Dharmasthala, Nanjangud, Gokarna, and Dhareshwara. These temples are believed to house the five pieces of the Atma-Linga that Ravana had broken, and are revered by the devotees of Shiva. The Murudeshwar Temple is also known as the Mrideshwara Kshetra, which means the place of the Atma-Linga.

Festival of the temple:

Some of the festivals that are celebrated at the Murudeshwar temple are Maha Shivaratri and Karthik Purnima. Let's talk about the Maha Shivaratri festival. To receive the blessing of the Lord Shiva numerous numbers of people gathered in the temple to sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day.

Another festival is Karthik Purnima celebrated in the month of Karthik usually in November or December. On this day, some believed that Lord Shiva destroyed the three demon cities known as Tripura Some believed that the day signified the birth of Lord Karthikeyan (Murugan), son of Lord Shiva. If you’re an Indian heritage lover and the cultural feast then you must visit the Murudeshwar temple during the festival time.

How to reach the temple?

By Air :
The nearest international airport is the Mangalore which is at a distance of 165 km from the Murudeshwar temple.

By Train :
The Karwar express from Bangalore connects Murudeshwar to other important towns and the nearest railway station is Murudeshwar.

By Road :
Many buses are available from major cities in Karnataka.

The Murudeshwar Temple is open throughout the year.
Best time to visit the temple:
October to March.

Dress code of the temple:
Dress code for men is Shirt- Pants or Dhoti-Shirt
Dress code for women is saree, half saree or chudidhar.

Entry Fee:
No entry fee

Prayer time:
6:00 AM to 12 noon and 3:00 PM to 08:15 pm
every day, on all days of the week.

Address:
Murudeshwar Temple, NH 7, Bhatkal Taluk,
Murudeshwar, North Canara, Karnataka- 581350

Contact number:
For inquiries about the Murudeshwar Temple,
you can contact them at
+91-8385-268524 or +91-8385-268972.

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17/03/2025

Karnataka: Feb 2025

Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi.

Sri Abhaya Mahaganapati Temple:

Sri Abhaya Mahaganapati Temple, located about one kilometer before Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple, is a prominent shrine situated by the main road. The temple features a massive Ganesha idol carved from a single monolithic black rock, symbolizing strength and protection.

Positioned next to the Vanadurgadevi Temple, it holds great spiritual significance for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Ganapati. The serene environment adds to the temple’s appeal as a place of worship and reflection.

Travellers are recommended to visit Abhaya Mahaganapati Temple, also known as Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi, on their trip to Kukke Subramanya. The temple exhibits Nepali style of architecture and houses a 21 ft high statue of Ganapathi, known to one of the biggest monoliths of the deity.

Abhaya Mudra:

Blessing or Providing protection, peace, benevolence and the dispelling of fear.

Physical Benefits:
This mudra soothes the nervous system, reduces tension, and can help with calming stress-related physical symptoms such as elevated heart rate or shallow breathing.

Mental Benefits:
Reduced anxiety and improved self-security.

Emotional Benefits:
Encourages feelings of safety, peace, and fearlessness.

Address

Subrahmanya Bus Stand,
Sh 85, Karnataka, Subramanya,
Subramanya - 574238

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17/03/2025

Karnataka: Feb 2025

Belur , Chennakesava Temple

Belur Temple- A 900-year-old wonder with the most appealing architecture.

Belur temple, also known as Chennakesava Temple is the oldest and grandest temples of Karnataka’s Hassan district. It was built in the town of Belur which is a famous site for the capital of the Hoysala kingdom.

The Hoysala kingdom ruled over this entire region for over three centuries inviting people and visitors from all across the country who flock to Chennakesava Temple. They admire the most fascinating and intricate sculptors and art along with the charm that this place holds and feel spiritually elevated.

The Layout of the Belur Chennakesava Temple.

Like many other landmarks of Hassan, this temple was created to become a peak representing architectural achievement by the Hoysala kingdom. As you enter the complex, a very large gate also known as Rajagopuram, arches above you. The center- piece of the temple that faces towards the east direction, sits in the center and follows the orientation of the divine architectural form.

On the right part of the temple is another temple called the Kappe Channigraya along with another small-sized temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lakshmi, Goddess Sowmya nayaki, who is seen sitting slightly behind the two of them. On the right-hand side of the temple Chennakesava, is another temple called the Ranganayaki Temple.

The temple complex is created with splendor and offers attractions such as two ornate pillars, one with a Garuda (built during the Vijaynagar period) and the other with a lamp (built during the Hoysala period).

This temple gopuram (tower) stands at a height of 37 meters.The outside wall of the temple is adorned with poses of dancing women built with the finest finish. Depending upon the Hoysala blueprint, the temple was built with soapstone, featuring a detailed finish.The temple was a very early creation of the Hoysala dynasty and its scale distinguishes it from other temples built during this period.

More information of the temple:

The main temple was called Vijaya-Narayana and the smaller temple next to it built by his queen Santala Devi was called Chennakesava in the inscriptions of the era, but these two temples are now called the Chennakesava temple and Chennigaraya temple respectively.

The Chennakeshava complex at Belur consists of a 443.5 feet by 396 feet court with several Hindu temples and minor shrines inside a walled compound.The compound is entered from the east through a Gopuram added during the repairs of the Vijayanagar empire era.

The temples and monuments found inside the walled complex are:
Chennakeshava temple, also called as Kesava temple, is the main temple. It is in the middle of the complex, faces east, in front of the gopuram. Including the improvements added later, it is 178 feet by 156 feet. The temple stands on a wide platform terrace (jagati) about 3 feet high.

The temple is dedicated to Vishnu in the form of Kesava.To the south of the Kesava temple is the Kappe Chennigaraya temple measuring 124 feet by 105 feet. It has two sanctums inside, one dedicated to Venugopala and the other to Chennigaraya (local popular name of Chennakeshava, Vishnu).

Kappe Chennigaraya:

The temple is called Kappe Chennigaraya because, according to a local legend, a Kappe (frog) was once found near its navel. This smaller temple was built by the queen concurrently with the main temple, and is believed to be similar smaller version.

Art of Belur- Chennakesava Temple,

The beautiful pillars at the temple exhibit great finishing of the sculptures and artwork spread across the complex. The Narasimha pillar is a very popular one located in the temple.

There are a total of 48 pillars that are uniquely carved and decorated with artwork.There are four such pillars located in the center that are hand chiseled by artisans featuring celestial damsels or madanikas.

These madanikas are differently posed and are very popular as they gain maximum attraction from tourists, visitors, and art enthusiasts who visit the temple.

Sculptures present in the temple depicts on important events extracted from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Many animals are also featured on the walls of the temples such as elephants, lions, and horses.

The main doorway of the mandapam features a Hoysala king slaying either a tiger or a lion. It is believed that this may be an image representing the defeat of the Cholas during that time, while the tiger being their royal emblem.

Many interesting and informative sculptures are featured in the temple complex. Some of them represent Gajasura samhara or the sculpture of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga destroying Mahishasura the demon, and sculptures of Ravana, and many such interesting ones.

There are a few mini shrines placed right at the entrance of the temple as well. Another very engaging feature here is that many artists have left their signatures, giving an insight into the culture and lives during the Hoysala period. Belur Temple- a 900-year-old wonder-

The Chennakesava Temple at Belur is popular for its compelling scale of architecture and the very thought-provoking cultural and innovative styles that are spread across the temple and its complex. The entire state of Karnataka was the region that was denoted under the Hoysala dynasty.

Recently this 900 year old temple celebrated its existence with the most fascinating thought that will be remembered in the history of Karnataka state. It rests on the banks of the River Yagachi, which is a central attraction and reminds the visitors about how this temple demonstrated a timeless legacy of South India’s most powerful kingdom.

How to get there:
All transit routes from Belur need to go via the town, as the most popular temple is located at this site. Other major urban areas surround the temple including Hassan city.

By Road-
Bangalore is 225 km away from Belur via the route NH75.
Mysore is 155 km away from Belur via SH 57 route.
Mangalore is 153 km away from Belur via NH73 route.
Regular buses travel between these routes and are very easily available helping travelers reach their destination.

By Rail-
The nearest railway station from Belur is in Chikkamagaluru which is at a distance of 22 km.
Hassan railway station is also situated near Belur, almost 32 km away. Buses are available between these routes.

By Air-
The Mangalore airport is situated almost 130 km from Belur and the Bangalore airport is almost 222 km away from Belur. The best way to travel to and from the airports is by road.

Temple Name:
Belur Sri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple

Address of the Temple: Hassan District, Belur- 573115

Contact Number: 080 2235 2828

Timings: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm

Visit Duration: 2 hours

Best Time to Visit : November to February

Entry Fee: No entry fee

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