The Chennakesava Temple originally called Vijayanarayana Temple was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, an early capital of the Hoysala Empire. Belur is 40 km as of Hassan city and 220 km from Bangalore, in Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. Chennakesava exactly means “handsome Kesava” and is a figure of Hindu God Vishnu.

The Chennakesava temple Karnataka was at first referred to as the Vijayanarayana temple. It is located on the Yagachi River at Belur. It was before the capital of the Hoysala rulers. The city of Belur is about 40 kilometers from the city of Hassan. Bangalore is about 220 kilometers from Belur. Chennakesava means “handsome Kesava”. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this temple. Belur has many attractive temples which were built by the Hoysalas. Halebidu which is close to Belur is a well-liked tourist aim in Karnataka. The Chennakesava temple has been confer as a heritage site by UNESCO.

Karnataka is a land deep with the worship of Lord Shiva across the state. There are numerous temples in Karnataka dedicated to the God Shiva. The State of Karnataka is known for its huge number of tourist attractions and temples in Karnataka. The temple structure has exclusive filigree gleams which shine like metal. The sculptures are well proportioned. Soapstone which is light greenish in color has been used to create the Chennakesava temple.

The exterior of the temple is intricately carved. Mythological stories as well as stories from the Upanishads and Purans are depicted here. Beadwork carvings can also be found in the temple art and architecture. Every piece of art work has been depicted very carefully and with skilled craftsmanship.

The Chennakesava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It was built by king Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in 1117 CE. It took 103 years to complete the temple and Vishnuvardhana grandson Veera Ballala II completed the task. Standing on a star-shaped platform, the temple has three doorways. There are two more shrines for Soumyanayaki and Ranganayaki, consorts of Sri Chennakesava. There is a Pushkarni or stepped well to the right side of the main entrance. The dravida style rajagopuram at the entrance was a later addition by the Vijaynagar kings.