In Belur we visit the magnificent Chennakeshava temple. The thousands of carvings on this 32 cornered star shaped structure are amazingly detailed. Each sculpture intricately carved out of one stone, it's hard to imagine how the artists have accomplished this with very simple tools. Many of the carvings are missing, being stolen and sold in obscure art trade. But there is still so much to see, getting some explanation by a knowledgeable guide is definitely worthwhile. The front part is decorated with secular carvings, fluid dancers and musicians seem to be alive. The back part is populated by different gods and their many appearances. All the different Hindu gods are already very confusing, but on top of that they all appear also in different forms. It helps to be able to recognise some of the many stories of the Hindu religion. At the temple complex we meet a very interesting Swiss traveller. He's worked over 30 years in several African countries for the Red Cross and the UN. Over a very bad tasting Indian wine we discuss global issues during a shared dinner.
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