| Just 17km away from Belur is Halebeedu, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. The temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals, birds, and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala kings. The temple complex has a museum which houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department from the ruins. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays. |
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| Halebidu is located in Hassan district in Karnataka.Ketumalla, the chief of staff of Hoysala Kingdom, built this temple during 1121 A.D and attributed to his king, Vishnuvardhana and queen, Shantala Devi. Even then it is learnt that it took 105 years to complete. If one stands on the platform of the temple and sees around he will see the hills opposite and two big bulls facing the temple and Ganeshafigure on the south |
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| It is believed that Queen Shantala Devi, was an epitome of beauty and fashion, she was also a great Bharatnatyam dancer and musician. Sculptors were inspired by this and the Shilabalikas, the dancing figures, are models of Queen Shantala Devi and her courtisans. History of Hoysalas mentions Shantala Devi had great influence in the adminstration and religious reforms during Vishnuvardhana reign. She was follower of Jainism and the King follower of Sri Vaishnaism and was influenced by Saint Ramanuja Charya. |
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| In the 14th century, this glorious city fell into ruins with the invasion of Malik Kafur, Mughuls, from the North India. This place was ran-sacked and plundered repeatedly rendering it in ruins. Hence its name Haledid, meaning " City in Ruins". |
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| Hoysaleswara Temple |
| Monolithic soapstone or Chloritic Schist was used for the construction of these temples.The God on the northern side temple is called as Shanthaleshwara and that on southern side is called as Hoysaleshwara. |
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| The walls of the temple are covered with an endless depictions from Hindu mythology, animals, birds and Shilabalikas. Yet no two postures of the sculptures are similar. |
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| Shantaleswara Temple |
| Built after Shantala Devi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.The Shantaleswara temple on the northern side stands on a platform like a casket in shining black soft stone - chlorite schist covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. The temple took 190 years to build requiring skills of more than 20,000 laborers. It has a Museum on the lawns that showcases 12th century sculptures and gold coins in use at the time. One km from Halebid is Basti hill with Jain bastis with gleaming black stone pillars. |
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| Belavadi (13 kms ) |
| Belavadi is home to famous Trikoota temple, where the idols of Veeranarayana , Venugopala and Yoga Narasimha are located in a single temple complex. It is an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. |
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| Jain Basadis , Bastihalli (1 kms ) |
| 12th centaury Jain basadis at Bastihalli with lathe- turned columns and ceiling friezes warrant a visit |
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| The Kedareswara temple |
| The Kedareswara temple built by King Ballala II, at Halebidu now in ruins is considered to be a a gem of architecture. As with the Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic friezes, and scenes from the epics. There are a hundred and eighty images set under floral toranas in the upper parts of the walls. Also nearby, are Jain temples dedicated to Parsvanatha, Santhanatha and Adinatha |
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| How to reach |
From Hassan 32 km
From Belur 6 km,
From Mysore 149 km,
From Bangalore 226 Kms (4.5 hours drive)
Nearest Railway: Hassan
Nearest Airport: BIA, Bangalore |
