About
Belur Travel :
Travel to Southern Banaras Belur, the temple town is located 34 kms from
Hassan. Famous for its exquisite temple, Belur is known as the Dakshina
Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the
celebrated Chennakesava Temple built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in
1117 A.D to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.
The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, is a homogenous
architectural unit on a raised platform. Inside, even in the darkness, you
can see the hand-lathe turned shining pillars, each unique in its own
splendour.
Prime Attractions :
Chennakesava Temple - The ornamental gopuram of the
Chennakesava Temple appears unexpectedly surround a bend. Hawkers sell
antique jewellery. In a corner of the vast courtyard are tossed a golden
horse and a temple chariot. The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's
carrier, stands at the entrance, facing the temple palms touching in homage.
Everything is carved in a gleaming, polished black stone, which looks like
metal. The breathtaking temple reigns on a star-shaped pedestal. Every
possible surface is covered with the most perfectly proportioned figures.
Pillars - Inside, in the startling darkness gleam the
beautiful handlathe-turned rounded pillars, each unique in its filigreed
splendour. The Narasimha Pillar once revolved on its ball bearings. A small
space has been left on it to be sculpted by anyone who has the talent. It
remains untouched.
Madanikas (Bracket Figures) - The four famous bracket
figures on the ornate ceiling have been inspired by Shantala Devi's
voluptuous beauty. One sculptured beauty communicates with a pet parrot
whose tail is peacock-like while another wrings water from her long hair and
one can see the drops collected on hair-ends. The 650 elephants charging on
the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The
38 Bracket figures on the walls are beautiful, pensive, playful and amorous
women, lifting the temple to unprecedented heights of excellence.
Shantala Devi - On the smooth circular platform in front
of the shrine, stands the sculpture of the beautiful Shantala Devi, queen of
King Vishnuvardhana. The jewellery is hollow and movable. The delicacy and
attention to the tiniest details here are incredible. Each feature, bangle,
strand of hair is carved with care.
How to get there ?
Air - Bangalore is the nearest airport.
Rail - Hassan is the nearest rail head.
Road - The place is connected with Hassan (34 kms),
Mysore (149 kms), Bangalore (222 kms).
Bangalore - The City Of Baked Beans :
In
the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped in
history. As you enter the town, the Bidar Fort welcomes you with five
darwazas (gates) that lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts.
Enter from the Gumbaz Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal.
The royal residence has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets
engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother - of - pearl in lay work.
The Solah Khamba Masjid is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar and one of
the largest in India. Not to be missed are the Gagan Mahal, the Diwan-E-Am
where the fabulous turquoise throne once rested, the Takht Mahal, the Royal
Pavilions, the Hazar Kothari, the Nubat Khana and the Bahamani Tombs at
Asthur.
Prime Attractions :
Inner Fort - Still in good condition, the present
structure appears to be the work Muhammad Shah Bahamani and Ali Barid. The
latter was responsible for mounting the many canons and guns on the
battlements. The fort has five gates with imposing bastions and each has
peculiar attraction of its own.
Shara Darwaza - The old drawbridge was the first gateway
and that having filled up, the Shara Darwaza gateway was constructed. The
outside walls have encaustic tile work. The upper rooms in this gateway
served as a 'Naqqar Khana', the room housing drums and trumpets. The figures
of tigers on either side of the entrance are common in Deccan forts and
probably signify the Shia belief that these represented Ali and hence the
fort would be free from attack.
Gumbaz Darwaza - The next doorway is typical of the
contemporary Tughlaq Architecture seen in Delhi, though traces of Persian
influence can also be seen. This was probably built by 1420 AD, by Ahmad
Shah Wali. The triple moat can be seen to the right of the road leading into
the somber doorway.
The Royal Bath & Kitchen - The 'shahi matbaks' are
the buildings close to the big banyan tree and in an earlier period must
have been the palace of a noble. These were also the royal kitchens. 'Shahi
Hamaam' as it was called, is now the local museum wherein some remarkable
images of the Hindu period, rare old china used in the royal households,
besides hollow cannon-balls filled with iron pieces can be seen. Right in
the heart of Bidar town stands the Chaubara a 71-foot tower. You can have a
splendid view from the top of the Chaubara.
Nanak
Jhera - The famous Nanak Jhera - the largest Sikh temple atleast in
Karnataka, carries the tale that Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs
visited this place and got rid of the scarcity of drinking water in the
region. A popular spot is the Sikh temple, Guru Nanak Jhera, where fresh
crystal clear spring water appears from nowhere.
Rangin Mahal - The colourful palace near the Gumbaz
Darwaza is famous for its woodwork and the mother-of-pearl inlay work. The
outer hall was for the purpose of giving audience and the wooden pillars are
elaborately carved.
Solah Khamba Masjid - The sixteen columned prayer hall
was built in 1423 AD by Prince Muhammad even prior to the shifting of the
capital to Bidar by the Bahamanis. This is the oldest Muslim building in
Bidar and among the largest in India.
Takht Mahal - The ruins of the royal palace point to the
architectural exuberance. The lowlands and the western fortifications afford
a splendid view of the palace.
Gagan Mahal - This is an earlier palace of the Dakamanis
and is reaches from behind the masjid. The entrance to the outer court has a
four-centred arch reminding one of the Tudor architecture.
Tarakash Mahal - These are pile of ruins adjoining the
masjid and originally consisted of the apartments of the female members of
the royal household. The ladies occupied the upper apartments while the
lower portions housed the guards and the storerooms.
Madarasa of Mahamud Gawan - It is another important
building in Bidar. This university was once a renowned centre of learning,
attracting scholars from all over the Muslim world. The rock temple at
Narasimha Zarni is also worth a visit. Situated in a big cave, the temple is
carved into the plateau and to approach the deity, you'll have to wad
through water.
Excursions :
Basavakalyan - The ancient town of Basavakalyana - 80 Kms
away, embracing a large area "surpassed in beauty and splendour all
other cities in the world." It became a seat of learning and an abode
of spiritual wisdom. Even today Basavakalyan is remembered for the saints
who made this city their home - Basaveshwara, Akka - mahadevi,
Channabasavanna and Siddharama.
How to get there ?
Air - The nearest airport is Hyderabad.
Rail - Bidar is connected by rail with Bangalore, Bombay
and Hyderabad
Road - Bidar is connected by road to: Hyderabad (136 kms)
Bangalore (669 kms) Bijapur (246 kms) Gulbarga (110 kms) Basavakalyana (73
kms) KSRTC Buses ply from Bidar to Bangalore, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur and
Sholapur.
Cities of Karnataka
