Garuda and Narasimha on the pediment
The image shows the pediment on the door of the main entrance carved with a beautiful relief of Narasimha, one of the avatars of Vishnu, carried by his vahana (vehicle), Garuda. This pediment is enclosed by a creeper disgorged by the Makaras sitting atop the beautifully crafted pilasters that are flanking the doorway.
Dedicated to Vishnu, the Belur Chennakeshava Temple is located in Belur, which is 150 miles east of Bangalore in India. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardana of the Hoysala dynasty in 1167 CE and the next two more generations of kings continued the work. This architectural masterpiece took 103 years to complete.
Bracket Figures
– Darpana Sundari, Sukha Bhasini, Naatya Sundari, Gaana Sundari, Kesha Sundari, Tribhangi, Nagna Sundari, Kapala Durga, Koravanji, Naatya Mohini, Betegarthi
Related Pages
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art
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