Sri Garuda, the sacred steed of Sri Vishnu, greets devotees at the portals of the Chennakesava Temple, Belur, Karnataka
The Chennakesava temple was built by the Hoysalas under the rule of King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. The deity of this temple is Sri Vishnu and the word 'Chennakesava' literally translates to ‘Handsome Vishnu’. The temple is remarkable for its architecture, sculptures, reliefs, friezes as well its iconography, inscriptions and history and is considered one of the crown jewels of Hoysala Empire.