Gadag - Veeranarayana Devalaya

This is the third benefaction of the illustrious Hoyasala Bittideva, popular as Vishnuvardhan to the theist world. Soon after embracing Vaishnavism at the alchemic touch of Srimadramanuja, he had the occasion to visit Doddagaddahalli Mahalakshmi temple superbly built by a merchant. Its sculptural excellence and inexplicable sublimity hovering over there propelled him to take up temple building programme, which besides immortalizing him helped Vaishnavism rise its banner over the ruins of Jainism, to speak the truth. Among the many temples he built, the Pancha Kesavaalayas are deservedly famous, but only three have withstood the onslaughts of weather and ravages of time. The existing Vijaya Narayana temple at Belur, Kirthi Narayana temple at Talakaadu and Veeranarayana temple at Gadag are proclaiming his glory, though they are almost in ruins.

This temple having received the magnetic touch of the illustrious ruler appears like jewel among the temples of this region. Its sculptural adornments are inferior to none. The superb artistry of the master sculptors is exuding from every frame of the temple. The sheen and sparkling polish of the images enthrall the visitors and elevate their theist impulses and aesthetic instincts. And drawing regular stream of tourists, aesthetes and theists round the year.

It is a famous town in Karnataka state, accessible by train and bus.

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