Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi – a hidden gem in Chikamagalur, Karnataka

Given that India is a land of temples, it is no surprise that travel unearths some truly hidden gems.  And one such gem is the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi about 30 km from Chikamagalur.   While one normally associates Hoysala temples with the magnificent ones in Belur and Halebid, this temple is yet another example of the brilliance of the Hoysala school of architecture.  Belavadi is an ancient town which has been referenced in the  Mahabharatha and is believed to be the place where Bheema killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village.