Shankara Lingeswara Temple, Belur, Karnataka

Shankara Lingeswara Temple, Belur, Karnataka

Shankara Lingeswara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Belur Town in Belur Taluk in Hassan District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of Yagachi River (also called Badari River in historic texts), a tributary of Hemavathi River. The temple is situated close to the famous Belur Chennakesava Temple.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the rulers of Kadamba Dynasty of Banavasi. This temple is considered older than the Belur Chennakesava Temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is a recent concrete structure with asbestos sheet roof. The roof is supported by four concrete pillars. Nandi can be found in a separate mandapam outside the main shrine facing towards the sanctum. The antrala doorway is guarded by dvarapalas on either side. The dedicatory block of the lintel has an image of Gajalakshmi. The pediment of the doorway has Lord Shiva and Parvathy in the center.

Two makaras with Varuna and Varuni riding on them can be seen on either sides of the Lord Shiva and Parvathy. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Shankara Lingeswara in the form of Shiva Linga. The outer walls of the shrine are plain except the regularly spaced slender pilasters. Carvings of shikaras can be seen in between the pilasters. There are ruins of subsidiary shrines in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Belur Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Halebidu, 25 Kms from Chikkamagaluru Railway Station, 26 Kms from Chikkamagaluru, 38 Kms from Hassan, 46 Kms from Banavara, 152 Kms from Mangalore Airport, 153 Kms from Mangalore, 220 Kms from Bengaluru and 242 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Banavara to Mangalore route.

Location