hoysaleswara temple

The Hoysaleswara Temple (along with Shravana belagola & Belur) was on my travel list from long time but couldn't plan since i didn't find anyone interested in heritage places like this. Finally i planned solo trip and booked bus tickets with KSTDC 1 day tour. KSTDC run non-AC bus on this route. The bus goes first to Jain Temple, Shravana belagola (read my review) - Chennakeshava Temple, Belur (read my review) and then goes to Halebid which is only around 15 Km from Belur. The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhan's commander ketamala. The temple complex comprises two Hindu temples, the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. In front of these temples there is a large lake. There are two Nandi monoliths on the sides of the Hoysaleswara temple. Soapstone was used for the construction of these temples. There is an archeological museum in the temple complex. The temple has got intricate carvings, beautiful idols on the ceiling and walls, 108 pillars on which temple structure rests.This temple is now proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site by the Government of India. One can hire a guide if coming by personal vehicle, however KSTDC tours provide guide by default.Hotel Mayura Shantala is a decent place for food/lodging/bar located just in front of the temple.The heritage tour ended with Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid & Chennakesava temple, Belur along with Jain Temple at Shravanbelagola visit. People interested in heritage tour should visit Hoysala kingdom temples once which are very rich in artistic beauty & splendor and are worth a visit.

Very interesting carvings - fantastic detail. A guide gives much more information that in the books and makes it more meaningful.

The Temple is very old, gives the rich heritage of the country, this is a must visit place. It is very close to Hassan (Bangalore to Hassan is 180 KMS), Hassan to Halebidu is 35 KMS.

Its a heaven for art lovers of the world! A heritage centre. I disliked the fact that the temple is not in good shape but still, you could spend hours studying the minute carvings. It has lost its super structure but looks very imposing. According to our guide, the Highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or "The lady with the mirror". Even in darkness, you can see the shining pillars. Narasimha pillar in the Navaranga, looks unique in its splendor.The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures -with no portion left blank.

I don't think I have to add any thing more than just say most beautiful intricate and delicate cravings. The temple looks great, no doubt but you cannot tell them to be majestic.What is great about the temple is the very very intricate and delicate stone sculptures. I loved them, inspite of me not being a great appreciator of ancient art. I visited on the way to chikmagalur and on recommendations of some friends, loved my experience and have deep respect for quality of ancient indian art skills.

This temple is dedicated to Vishnu and its exterior is covered in intricate soapstone carvings. The skill demonstrated in these carvings is immense. The 12th century temple is well worth a visit. It is located a reasonable distance from Belur and the names of the two places, Halebid and Belur, are often linked together in guidebooks. Belur is the site of a temple dedicated to Shiva. This temple is not nearly as impressive as that at Halebid. As in other Hindu temples, it is necessary to remove shoes before entering the temple area. Shoes are stored in a designated at the cost of 5-10 rupees.

this is one of the most beautiful carvings that i had seen in my lifetime. would recommend you take a guide along because the story behind the sculpture is also beautiful

It definitely is not one of the more famous places you read in the history books. But we decided to go to Halebid or Halebeedu since it was not too far from Bangalore. (Its about 3.5 hrs ride). I was pleasantly surprised at what we found. Its an unassuming structure when you look at it from far. But once you get close, the carvings on the wall are really, really nice. Well kept and clean, I'd say its one of the nicest historical places I have visited in India.There is not much to see in Halebid other than this one temple though. However, one can go to Belur. And the area around Halebid, which is mostly agricultural land with hills in the background in my opinion is so refreshing and nice.

Is great art structure to visit. We didn't get the opportunity to go inside as we arrived there late because we took bad road from Hassan. Anyways we're went around the temple having snaps around and observing the art. This is the similar work, just like Chennakesava temple in Belur. There are two ways from Hassan to Halebid. One is through the road which goes to Belur, another which directly takes you to directly Halebedu. Do not take the direct road, it's in very bad situation.

Very beautiful architecture . I guess this is the only architecture still in better condition as compared to other places like aihole pattadakallu... Spend some time here . Preferably go in the morning or evening

Like the Chennakesava temple, this is again a treasure chest of brilliance. You have to visit it to experience it for yourself. The 12th century sculptures fell into a state of ruin after Muslim invaders attacked and looted the Hoysala empire in the 14th century. Nevertheless, the sculptures will just blow your mind away. You will find yourself imagining in the artist's shoes - creating art without drawings or paintings in those days - making those splendid sculptures of Krishna lifting the Govardhana mountain, Abhimanyu trapped in the Chakravyuh, Bheema fighting a hundred elephants, Ravana trying to kidnap Shiva with Mount Kailash to Lanka... I could go on and on. Though the trip was done in February 2012, the experience and images are rich in memory. Do visit and be mesmerised. Fellow Indians, give yourself a chance to be truly proud of our history, culture and heritage :-)

Since they are located so close to each other generally you always combine your Belur and Halebidu visits. Just like the Chennakeshava temple at Belur, the Hoysaleshwara temple also contains lot of intricate stone carvings depicting instances and stories from Hindu mythology. As per history both these temples have been built competing with each other and if that is the case my personal favourite is the Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebidu. Just like at Belur it is a good idea to hire a guide so that you can spot all the major carvings and also hear the stories about many of them.Also close to the temple is an architectural museum and a Gomateshwara statue. But all the statues in the museum and Gomateshwara have been destroyed to some extend by foregin invaders. We visited in Aug 2014, and the road from Belur to Halebidu was in really bad shape.

We visited Belur and Halebid on an overcast, drizzly day, which was just perfect to do some sight-seeing.Like the temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara temple is also covered with beautiful carvings. They are extremely intricate and one can imagine how many years it would have taken to build the temple. Two monolithic Nandi bulls are also in the complex. They have been fenced off, and for good reason! One can still see the graffiti some 'tourists' have carved into the two statues!

Positives: This place is an architectural marvel. The soap stone for its softness has made possible such intricate architectural masterpieces. The outside of this temple is the real wonder. The depictions are mostly from the Hindu mythology. Having some understanding of the mythological stories and personalities makes the experience here more overwhelming. Getting a guide would be a good idea. They tend to go through different depictions and also tell you the related story. You should take at least two hours to take in this site. The large Nandi (Oxen: Lord Shiva's companion) statue is a marvel. Ideally take a tour of the place with a guide and take in what they tell you, then go around it again going over each depiction and trying to relate to the original instance in mythology. The experience can be quite intriguing and educative. Spend a lot of time on the outside of the temple where most of the intricate carvings are. Watch out for hidden spaces in the outside wall which hold carvings that are in much better state of preservation.The temple is situated in a premises which has a lush green lawn around it. This is a beautiful setting. The compound has more sculptures (unmarked) around and can be visited by taking a tour of the compound.Negatives: Its a sacred temple and hence foot wear is not allowed. On a hot day this might be tough on untrained soles. The guides in place tend to have a routine where they only explain selected carvings. You should not shy away from stopping them at certain elaborate looking carvings and asking doubts. A lot of carvings and work is lost to vandalism in the past which is sad to see.

Halebidu was once the capital of the 12th century Hoysala Empire and this temple is suitably grandiose. The architecture is pleasing and the temple is set in lovely gardens, but it is the stone carving that is the main attraction. The temple is covered in incredibly detailed and well-preserved carvings. The carvings truly are spectacular. If you enjoy temples such as this you should also visit the ruins of Vijayanagar at Hampi and the temples at Khajuraho.