Belur was another capital of the Hoysalas. Today it is famed for its magnificent temple complex, visible after entering an ornate gateway, called “gopuram.”
The star shaped main temple took 103 years to be completed and stands on a platform. The carvings on the outer walls include figures of dancing girls, scenes from everyday life, mythological figures and stories and of course, deities.
Inside the temple is a gigantic statue of the deity and filigreed pillars and sculptures.
There are other smaller but equally impressive temples in the same complex.
The temples of Halebid and Belur are made of soapstone---soft underground, extremely hard when exposed to the air!
