Chennakeshava Temple Belur

Am in Hassan for a months vacation and this post on Belur is continuation of  tourist attractions around Hassan.

Belur is situated on the banks of Yagachi River and was known as Velapuri, Velur, Belapur and Dakshina Varanasi in earlier times.

The Hoysala empire was a prominent South Indian Kannadiga empire that ruled most of the present day Karnataka state. This era was an important period in the development of art, architecture and religion in South India. 

Hoysala Vishnuvardhana (AD 1108- 1152) built a temple for Vijayanarayana in the capital Belur in commemoration of his victory against chola viceroy of Talkad in the year 1117AD.

Temple is popularly known as the Chennakeshava Temple. The image of Keshava(one of the 24 forms of Vishu) was made by king Vishuvardhana. 

The main structure of the temple, which is star shaped, is a homogeneous architectural unit on a raised platform. 

Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garuda, carrier of Lord Vishnu and Deepa Sthamba

       

The entrance to the temple

Symbol of Hoysala Empire. There is a tale behind this symbol.

A young man named Sala saved his Jain guru Sudatta by Striking dead a tiger he encountered near the temple of Goddess Vasantika at Sosevur. The word “strike” meaning “hoy” in Hale Kannada (Old Kannada), hence the name “Hoy-sala.

The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from one another.

The exotic bracket figures (Madanikas) on the walls of the temple are serene, playful and amorous, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence. These Madanikas were inspired by the beauty of Shantala Devi, king Vishnuvardhana’s wife, who was well versed in fine arts of dance and music and was well trained in Bharatnatyam dance.  There are forty two Madanikas in Bharatnatyam poses carved on the outer walls.

Inside, the temple is the hand lathed turned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendor. There is a polished stone platform where Shantala Devi danced in praise of Lord Chennakeshava.

To get a detailed view on the carvings and the temple please visit Chennakesava Temple on Wikipedia.

Info:

• Location: Belur is 222 kms from Bangalore, 38 kms from Hassan, 25 kms from Chikmagalur and 149 kms from Mysore.
• How to reach:
• By Train: Nearest railway station is Hassan, Hassan Railway Station is linked to major Indian cities and well connected to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.
• By Bus: There are regular KSRTC buses that connect Belur  with Hassan, Chikmagalur, Bangalore and Mysore.
• By Air: Nearest airports are Bangalore International Airport and Mangalore airport.
• Accommodation: The nearest preferred stay option would be in Hassan and Chikmagalur.

Who wouldn't love to accompany a pilot at the cockpit!!

Four large screens, few displace screens something like CRT's which i had worked with, in my Engineering course, and lots of switches, these were what i could find just in front of me sitting next to a trainer inside one of the simulators in Emirates Aviation College.
The Simulator artificially re-creates aircraft flight. This includes the equations that governs how aircraft fly, how they react to applications of their controls and how they react to environmental factors such as air density, turbulence, cloud, precipitation, etc. Could find the visual views of landing and take off from almost all the major airports of the world. 

Other real size flight models for training purposes...

Emirates Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines which is based in Dubai. They have their Aviation college which offers a diverse range of professional vocational training programmes. Thanks to the logistic team of Emirates Airlines for allowing us to visit the college. The pictures were clicked with my mobile so they are not so clear, and no photography was allowed inside simulator.

Linked to Thursday Challenge: "MACHINES" (Simple, Engines, Electronic, Computers, Clocks, Rube Goldberg Machines,...)

Al Badia Golf Club- Dubai

Its been 4 years now that i clicked these pics, but my memories with them are as fresh as that day.... Deepak had a great team at office, will be surprised to hear they used to have weekly team meet at any of the wonderful places in and around Dubai... This was how we  got to know about Al Badia Golf Club.

Out from the busy traffic and crowd, this place in Dubai by Intercontinental Dubai Festival City is a real refresher of the week day stress.

Be it world class golf academy or Dining or event, its perfect place for a casual round with friends or enhance a business event hosting a large group…

Linked to Skywatch Friday, 52 Photos Project-Photo Challenge-Horizon