HALEBID
ABOUT HALEBID:
- This ancient capital of Hoysala’s was founded in the early 11th century.
- Named Dwarasamudra, after a huge artificial lake dating back to 9th century.
- Flourishing capital city had a small fortress with a magnificent palace.
- Fortified with a wall of enormous boulders and a moat that was connected with the lake.
- Halebid attained glorious heights during the region of Ballala-II, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana.
- Hoysalas built over 150 exquisite temples in southern Karnataka, but the temples at Halebid, Belur and Somnathpur are considered to be outstanding.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Mangalore Airport, Mangalore (IXE), 170 kms away from Halebid city.
- Rail: Hassan Railway Station, Hassan, 33 kms away from Halebid city.
- Road: Well connected by road and 16 kms east of Belur.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
|
HOLY CENTRE |
Hoysaleswara Temple |
|
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
Hoysala Mahotsava |
For more information visit https://www.karnatakatourism.org/tour-item/halebeedu/
ATTRACTIONS OF HALEBID
Hoysaleswara Temple:
- Magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest and the best among Hoysala temples.
- Construction was started in 1121, by “Ketumalla’’, one of the officials of Vishnuvardhana and could be completed only by 1207.
- Shrine is very similar to the Chenna Keshava temple at Belur, but its figures are more profusely carved.
- Even after working diligently for about a century, there are still some unfinished portions in this amazing edifice.
- Sculptural extravaganza has been lavishly praised by the experts, critics and common visitors.
- Complex consists of two identical temples, each with its own array of navranga and sukhanasi and Nandi mandapas.
- Both the sanctums have a characteristic star shaped ground plan and are set on a stone platform as seen in other Hoysala shrines.
- Temple on the northern side is named Shantaleshwara, after Shantala Devi, the beloved queen of Vishnuvardhana, while the southern side shrine is the Hoysaleswara temple.
- Two temple halls are joined by a common verandah creating a spacious columned interior.
- Thousands of intricately carved sculptures depicting scenes from the mythological epics Ramayana, Mahabharta, puranic legends, beasts and beauties etc. adorn the temple walls.
- There are about thirty five thousand sculpted pieces in the shrine, noted for their breathtaking beauty, bout the south doorway unrivalled for its filigree work is considered to be a masterpiece of delicate carving.
- There is an Archaeological Museum in front of the Hoysaleswara.
