Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, Belur, Karnataka
Photo: Vu2sga, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur Timings

Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur: opens in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 AM) for darshan; open into the evening.

Lord Vishnu as Chennakeshava ('the handsome Keshava') · Belur, Karnataka

VishnuEntry fee appliesMedium confidence
Darshan hours (as published)
Opens in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 AM) for darshan · Open into the evening
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Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, in Belur in Karnataka, honours Lord Vishnu as Chennakeshava ('the handsome Keshava'). It is also known as Chennakeshava Temple, Vijayanarayana Temple, Keshava Temple.

A masterpiece of Hoysala art and one of India's most richly carved temples; still an active place of worship. It forms part of the 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas' inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (with Halebidu and Somanathapura) in 2023. Built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, reputedly to commemorate the Hoysala victory over the Cholas at Talakad (and his conversion under the Vaishnava saint Ramanuja), the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur was the centrepiece of the Hoysala capital.

Karnataka carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Vijayanagara grandeur at Hampi, Hoysala artistry at Belur, and living coastal shrines at Udupi, Kukke and Kollur, Karnataka is a museum of South Indian temple genius.

Darshan hours and daily worship

SessionTiming (as published)
MorningOpens in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 AM) for darshan
EveningOpen into the evening

One travel source lists broad hours around 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; exact darshan/pooja windows vary and were not confirmed from an official source in this pass, treat timings as approximate

Poojas and daily rituals

Daily worship to Chennakeshava (Vishnu); the temple remains a living shrine

Weekly or monthly auspicious daysEkadashi and Saturdays are significant for Vishnu worship
Signature annual eventsAnnual Belur Rathotsava (car festival)

Festivals and special-day timings

Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.

FestivalPeriodWhat happens
Rathotsava (Car Festival)March/April (Chaitra)Annual chariot festival of Chennakeshava through Belur
Vaikuntha EkadashiDecember/JanuarySpecial Vaishnava observance

History and architecture

Built or establishedCommissioned in 1117 CE by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana; the complex took over a century to complete

Architecture

Hoysala style built in soapstone (chloritic schist) on a star-shaped (stellate) platform (jagati); celebrated for hand-lathe-turned pillars, the Narasimha pillar, and the exquisite madanika/shilabalika bracket figures such as the 'Darpana Sundari' (lady with a mirror)

History

Built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, reputedly to commemorate the Hoysala victory over the Cholas at Talakad (and his conversion under the Vaishnava saint Ramanuja), the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur was the centrepiece of the Hoysala capital. Successive generations of Hoysala rulers added to it over about 103 years.

Planning your visit

Entry feeNominal; ASI-protected monument, sometimes with a guide/darshan arrangement, verify at the site
Dress codeModest attire; footwear removed at the temple
Best time to visitOctober to March; pair with nearby Halebidu in a single day
NearbyHoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu (about 16 km), Yagachi Dam, Chikmagalur

How to reach

About 40 km from Hassan (nearest major railhead); nearest airport Mangaluru (about 200 km) or Bengaluru (about 220 km); well connected by road/bus from Hassan and Chikmagalur.

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Where this information comes from

Confidence: Medium. High confidence on history, architecture and UNESCO status; low to medium on exact daily timings, which are approximate.

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Frequently asked questions about Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

What is the timing of Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur: opens in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 AM) for darshan; open into the evening. One travel source lists broad hours around 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; exact darshan/pooja windows vary and were not confirmed from an official source in this pass, treat timings as approximate

What are the darshan (visiting) hours at Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

As published, morning darshan runs Opens in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 AM) for darshan and evening darshan runs Open into the evening. One travel source lists broad hours around 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; exact darshan/pooja windows vary and were not confirmed from an official source in this pass, treat timings as approximate

Is there an entry fee at Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

Nominal; ASI-protected monument, sometimes with a guide/darshan arrangement, verify at the site

What is the dress code at Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

Modest attire; footwear removed at the temple

Which festivals are celebrated at Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

The main ones documented for this temple are Rathotsava (Car Festival), Vaikuntha Ekadashi. See the festival table above for dates and what each involves.

What is the best time to visit Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

October to March; pair with nearby Halebidu in a single day

How do I reach Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

About 40 km from Hassan (nearest major railhead); nearest airport Mangaluru (about 200 km) or Bengaluru (about 220 km); well connected by road/bus from Hassan and Chikmagalur.

Who is the presiding deity at Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

Lord Vishnu as Chennakeshava ('the handsome Keshava')

What is the history of Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur?

Built by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, reputedly to commemorate the Hoysala victory over the Cholas at Talakad (and his conversion under the Vaishnava saint Ramanuja), the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur was the centrepiece of the Hoysala capital.

How reliable is the information on this Sri Chennakeshava Temple, Belur page?

This listing's confidence is rated medium. High confidence on history, architecture and UNESCO status; low to medium on exact daily timings, which are approximate.