This small town lies on the banks of the river Yogachi.
Around the town are several breathing beautiful Hoysala temples. This was
chosen as the new capital of Hoysala dynasty after the destruction and
ransacking ransacking of their capital at Dwarasamudra (to day’s Halebidu) by
the Delhi Sultans. Hoysala temples are characterized by a polygonal, or star
–shaped ground plan, set on a richly carved base or plinth and are often carved
from steatite (soapstone), an extraordinary stone that is extremely easy to
chisel when excavated but hardens to iron –like firmness when exposed to the
atmosphere.
A range of hills are in the south –east of Yelandur. The
place dervices its name from the temple of Biligiri Ranganatha swami, a shrine
of great antiquity, situated at a height of 153 m in a highest point on the
Hill. It is a resort with great potential.
Chennakesava temple
A profusely sculpted masterpiece set in rectangular country
along with several other shrines. Virtually not an inch of its interior or
exterior remains bare was being filled with an intricate sculpture that depicts
an amazing variety of figures. The presiding deity is Vishnu, enshrined here
with his two consorts, Bhu Devi (the earth Goddes) and Sri Devi (the Goddess of
Wealth). With the same compound, the Kappe Chennigraya is a magnificent example
of the artic excellence of the Hoysala period.