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Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid Karnataka

Here is Some Information about Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid Karnataka india.


Location: Halebid, Karnataka
Built in:12th century
Built By:Delhi Sultanate.
Dedicated to:Lord Shiva
Entry:Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00Am to 10:00 Pm
Significance: One of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India
Visiting Timing: 30 Mins
Best time to Visit:Any time
Nearest Railway Station: Hassan Railway station 27KM
Nearest Air Port: Mangalore Airport

About Hoysaleswara Temple 

The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer of the Universe as per Hinduism. This temple was built during the 12th century and the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana built it. During the 14th century the Muslims invaded Halebidu and looted its riches and wealth. The temple was razed and neglected by the rulers. Hoysaleswara was also referred to as Dwarasamudra or Dorasamudra. The distance from Belur to Halebidu is about 16 kilometres; Hassan to Halebidu is about 31 kilometres.

Hoysaleswara Temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Hoysaleswara and another for Shantaleswara (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana). Standing on a raised platform, the temple is made out of Chloritic Schist (Soapstone, also known as potstone). Both of the shrines are located next to each other, facing the east direction. The shrine comprises the Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva), the universal symbol of Lord Shiva. 

Besides the other shrines, there is one shrine that is dedicated to Lord Surya. Here, Sun God is depicted in the 7 ft tall image. The halls comprise huge images of Nandi, the attendant of Lord Shiva. Hoysaleswara Temple stands as a testimonial of the bygone era. The outstanding structure of the temple has been accredited for being the epitome of Hindu architecture.

History of Hoysaleswara Temple  

The Shiva and Parvathi temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana. It was the Shaivas who contributed money and wealth for building this beautiful temple. During this time, the Chennakesava temple which was a Vaishnava temple was being built. The building of the Hoysaleshwara temple was carried out as a competition to the Chennakesava temple. The temple has a very big tank which was built during the 11th century. The water to this tank is supplied from the Yagachi River.
Architecture for Hoysaleswara Temple 

The remarkable structure of this temple has been acclaimed as a perfect exemplar of Hindu style of architecture. Its architecture is often regarded as the 'supreme climax of Indian architecture'. In the exteriors, many projections and recesses in the walls make the structure quite complex; in contrast to it, the interiors appear simple. The exterior walls of the temple have a splendid assortment of stone sculptures. 

Hoysaleswara Temple is particularly known for its wall sculptures that are imprinted right from the outset of the outer wall. Opening with an image of dancing Ganesha on the left hand side of the south entrance, the series ends with a different image of Ganesha on the right hand side of the north entrance. The whole collection has not less than 240 images. The most complicated of all sculptures, are traceable in the beams, over two of the entryways, one on the southern entryway and other on the eastern entryway. 

The interiors of the temple are quite plain except for the lathe turned pillars that dash in rows flanked by the north and south doorways. Making the forefront of the each shrine, the four pillars are the most elaborate having 'madanika' sculptures in their brackets. The massive temple has four porches serving as its doorways. Generally, only one porch is left open for entry that lies in the north. 

The superstructure on the shrines is known as 'Sunakasi', which used to be a row of ornamented miniature roofs on top of the attics of the hall, are all gone astray. Even the towers of the shrines are not there. The temple was constructed at a height to grant adequate horizontal and vertical space to illustrate large and small sculptures.

Garuda Pillar 
Garuda Stambha (Pillar) is an attention-grabbing structure of Hoysaleswara Temple. Garudas were known to be the selected bodyguards of the kings and queens. They used to live and move with the Royalty with the sole aim to defend their master. At the death of their master, they committed suicide. In the southern side, the pillar demonstrates heroes flanking knives and cutting their own heads. The inscription on the pillar commemorates Kuruva Lakshma (bodyguard of Veera Ballala II).

How to Rich Hoysaleswara Temple  

By Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic airport, which is 168 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international airport, which is 222 km away. Taxi cab costs about Rs 2500 from Mangalore and Rs 3500 from Bangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Hassan, which is 27 km from Halebid. It takes about Rs 400 for taxi to reach Halebid from Hassan. Hassan is connected to many cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.

By Road: Halebid is well connected by KSRTC bus services. It is connected to all major cities nearby, including Bangalore, which is 222 km away from Halebid. Private buses are available from Bangalore majestic bus station to Halebid, costing about Rs 600.

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