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.