Keshaveshwara Temple, popularly known as Betteshwara, is situated at
Agraharabelguli in
Hassan District, about 25 km from
Channarayapatna. It is an outstanding Hoysala structure with intricate artworks and carvings, consecrated by Kesiraja, a commander under the Hoysala Emperor Ballala II, in 1209.
The main attraction here is the magnificent Keshava image 5 1/2 ft high, installed in the northern Garbhagriha, with four hands each adorned with conch, disc, club and lotus. Within the temple complex lie two spaciously decorated porches where a Nandimantapa is attached with a 4 ft tall Nandi. Another notable feature of the temple is the existence of a two-storied mahadwara of the Hoysala period.
