Religious Structures and Their History
Built by Vijayanagara rulers, the Chalukyas and Hoysalas, these religious structures prove the architectural brilliance. The city stands as a perfect example of the wonderful creation of the past. There are number of temples in the city, which makes the locals and travelers feel close towards the supreme power.Temples in Bellary
Durgamma Temple - This is no doubt one of the most popular spots for Hindu religious community. The temple tells the story behind the name of the city. People believe that the name Bellary has been taken from ‘Balari’ which means Goddess Durgamma. She is the supreme female deity of the land. The temple is a great architectural piece that allures lot many historians and art lovers. It is located in the Gandhinagar area.Malleswara temple - It is another famous name for the spiritualists of the land. It reflects the stories of the past. The structure is beautiful and attracts many. It is located in the Fort area. It is also associated with the name of the city. People say that it acquired its name from Balleshwara, Lord Shiva. This temple was built after some devotes placed the 'bala' and named it so. Gradually, it was re-named as Malleswara.
Laxminarayana Temple - It stands on the Brahmin Street and instills the feeling of devotion and faith among many devotes in and around Bellary.
Yogini Kolhapuri Mahalakshmi Temple - This temple is situated in Vidyanagar. It is also popular among the religious people of the land.
Pattabhirama Temple is another notable temple in the district. Being constructed in 16th century, it is located in the southern region of the river Tungabhadra. It is a large structure with brilliant carvings.
Vijaya Bhavani or Dussehra Dibba Temple was built by Krishnadevaraya to show his devotion and gratitude towards the Supreme Being after his great victory in Orissa. Exquisite cravings on the walls of the temple show the creative side of the people of that era.
Virupaksha Temple was constructed in 1509. It is also named as Pasupati Temple. Some say that Krishnadevaraya built this temple to celebrate his victory over Gajapathi and Bijapur rulers. The main attraction of the temple is the huge image of Lord Shiva.
Vittala Temple was found on the banks of Tungabhadra. It is a Vishnu temple and stands silently to depict the stories of Vijayanagara Empire.
Hazara Rama Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It was a place of worship for the royal family. They offered their prayers in this temple. Various incarnations and images of Lord Vishnu and beautiful carvings are attractive features of this temple.
Twin Temple reflects the wonderful creativity and architectural excellence of the Chalukyas. The exterior walls of the temple are decorated with different varieties of carvings and images. Fifty-nine glossy and polished pillars can be seen in this religious structure.
Apart from these there are many other religious spots that attract the religious community as well as the art lovers.
- Lakshmi narasimha temple, Bellary
- Kote Anjaneya Devasthana, Bellary
- Ayyappa swamy temple, Bellary
- Sai Baba Temple, Bellary
- Balanjenaya Swamy temple, Bellary
- Panduranga temple, Bellary
- Ganesh temple, Bellary
- Rama temple, Bellary
- Srinivas temple, Bellary
- Pampapathi temple, Bellary
