Visit to Halebidu - Karnataka

Halebidu means ` old city ' or the ' destroyed city’  is located in Hassan District of Karnataka .

 Halebidu , previously known as ‘Dwarasamudra’ after a huge artificial lake of the same name ,was the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12^th century.

This temple is a classic example of Karnataka’s glorious past and rich heritage. The magnificent shrine dedicated to lord shiva is the largest and the best of Hoysala temples.

This temple premises have two shiva  temples, Hoysaleshwara ( for the king) and Santhaleshwara (for the Queen ) built in honor of the king and the queen.

The temple have four gates each adorned by dwarpals on both sides.

The sanctums have a characteristic star shaped ground plan and are set on a stone platform. This double star temples has 64 spokes in its star. 

The sanctums enshrine an east facing lingam, precede by a Nandhi  Mandapa with a huge statue of Nandhi  Bull, the celestial vehicle of Lord Shiva.

 

The real beauty of the temple lies in the carving on outside walls of the temple. The lower portion of the temple is decorated with one of the most richly sculptured friezes which run continuously along the wall. 

The interiors of the temples are equally impressive with ornately carved pillars.

Each carvings on the wall is carved with such details that the viewers are forced to think about the patience , determination and spiritual inspiration processed by the craftsmen. 

The stone carvings looked so well crafted that you wonder how these are made about 1000 years back.Mind blowing  level of detailing in each of the walls of the temple. The pillars are objects of marvel.

The temples are made of soap stones which made the carvings easy and due to which even minute details are visible. The beauty and the strength of the soap stone is such that in many places especially in the pillars, there are sharp edges which you can feel by your fingers.

 Outside walls of the temple have stories of Indian Mythology carved beautifully. The most interesting thing is no two sculptures in the temples are alike.

The huge Ganesha idol is a master piece , but truncated and mutilated by the invaders. It still stands there for the mutiny.

There is a very beautiful lake near this temple. This place is certainly for art lovers and cultural photographers. This magnificent temple with beautiful gardens sits silently in a dusty corner.

 It is an incomplete temple, sacked and looted many times by Delhi sultanates .But after that also this can be described as the most beautiful of the Hoysala temples.

The temple is now preserved by Archaeological Survey of India. Guides from the archaeological department are available and charges around 200-250 and would take you around the temple and explain each and every detail and the stories on the walls.

There is also a museum in the temple complex housing beautiful sculptures excavated at the temple site by ASI.

Even after all the destruction it has seen , it is one of the well preserved temple around.

People interested in art and sculpture, and history this is a must visit place. It’s a photographer’s delight.

Visit to Shravanabelagola - Karnataka

   

Shravanabelagola is located in Hassan district of Karnataka.

This small town has two hills large Vindyagiri ( Indragiri ) and small Chandragiri almost facing each other.

 

The main attraction of Shravanabelagola is the colossal statue of Lord Bahubali.

Shravanabelagola , literally meaning the ‘ Monk of the white pond ‘ is named after a ‘belagola’ ( white pond ) which was created in heart of the town by the milk used for the first Mahamastakhabhiseka ( sacred anointment ) of the giant statue of Lord Bahubali ( Gomateshwara).

Vindhyagiri is the tallest peak in Shravanabelagola where monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara popularly known as Bahubali stands tall.

Built by Ganga dynasty this 58ft high stone sculpture carved around 1000 years back ,out of a single block of granite . This statue is considered to be the world’s largest monolithic stone statue.It is estimated to weigh approximately 80 tons.

According to Jainism , Bahubali renounced his Kingdom and he meditated at Shravanabelagola. He is one of the prominent jain Thirthankaras .

The statue stands upright in the posture of meditation known as ‘ Kayotsarga’ indicating perfect self control and its nakedness suggest complete renunciation of worldly things. There are statues of various other Thirthankaras and carvings , which were carved with precise accuracy all around the temple.

One comes across a small pavilion known for the finely sculpted Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar, with carvings of creepers around it. The inscriptions indicate that the pillar was installed by Chamundaraya , who is also credited for installing the huge monolith of Lord Gomateshwara atop the Vindyagiri.

The scared shrine atop the hill is accessible via flight of 650 rock-cut steps. The climb is very steep and little difficult to climb. The hill must be climbed barefoot. As you go higher , you tend to get tired. Best to climb the hill in the morning to avoid sun. In the afternoon the rock can get hot. 

You were not allowed to wear footwear while climbing the hill,  so you may wish to carry two pair of socks to be worn one on another, so that you can climb comfortably. Old people can use ‘palki’ (doli) service offered by the temple for Rs 500 per head + Rs 300 tips.

It is indeed amazing that we cannot see a glimpse of Lord Bahubali till we reach the top.

The view from the top of the hill and the scenic beauty of the place is amazing. Chandragiri hill and temple on it can be seen from here.

The mahamastakh-abisheka ceremony held once in 12 years is the most important event of Shravanabelagola.

Chandragiri

  

Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan empire renounced his kingdom and came here to become a Jain Ascetic. He led a recluse life and breathed his last at the Chandragiri hill, which is named after him.

Chandra gupta Basadi which was dedicated to Chandragupta Maurya, was originally built there by Asoka. Chandragiri also has memorial to numerous monks and sravakas who have meditated there.

Shravanabelagola is indeed a must visit destination.