Photo: Garudasthambha

The Channakesava Temple, Belur is regarded as one of the most magnificent pieces of Hoysala Architecture. It is estimated that it took over a 100 years to build this temple complex.It was finally completed in 1116 AD. Garudas were the elite body guards of the emperors. When the kings died, the garudas committed suicide. The Pillar is erected as a memorial. The interesting fact about this pillar is that it is balanced only on 3 points.
The elite body guards are named after Garuda - The Vehicle of Lord Vishnu