Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu - Belur Taluk of Hassan District

A place which had attained the peak of glory and fame as the capital of Hoysalas, Halebid was earlier known as Dwarasamudra because the Yadavas of Dwaraka had come and settled here, according to Puranic sources. Later, Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty made this place as his capital. Remnants of the castles and palaces of Hoysala period are still found in and around this place. After the two major attacks in 1314 and 1320, the place assumed the name of Halebid or an old locality as there were sparse and scattered remnants of glorious buildings of the past.
Ketumalla, a Minister during Vishnuvardhana regime, had high regards for the king and the queen. As a token of his affection and compassion for the king and queen, Ketumalla got a Shiva temple in 1121 A.D. in the Dwikutachala style of architecture. Known as Sri Hoysaleshwara temple, this beautiful shrine has 64 angles and stands as a wonderful manifestation of the Hoysala style of sculpture. Created with four doors, the temple features two mammoth Nandi statues in the front side. The bottom strips of the outer walls of the temple contain beautifully carved images of elephants, lions, horses, instances drawn from Bhagavata, Ramayana and Mahabharata and leaf-fringed creepers. The doors have been bedecked with ceremonial arch. Carvings of epic instances can also be seen on the rear wall. Idols of dancing Ganapati and Shiva and Parvati on the back of Shiva’s vehicle Nandi (Bull) are also seen here.

There are 108 enchanting pillars inside Sri Hoysaleshwara temple and each pillar provides a distinct experience and feeling to the visitor. The inner ceiling of the temple is adorned with Ashtadikpalakas or guardians of the eight directions, namely Indra, Ajni (Fire God), Varuna (Rain God), Vayu (Air God), Kubera (celestial Treasurer), Nairuti (Lord of South-west), Makara (crocodile) and Eeshanya (Lord of North-west) have been placed in their respective positions. Idols of Nandi and Bhrungi, the door-keepers, are monolithic creations. The garland of skulls adorning them is a fine example for the subtlety and sculptural dexterity. The aesthetically created two Navarangs or spots meant for stage-show, have enhanced the attraction of the temple. Statues of Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara in the form of Linga are also seen in this temple.

A temple dedicated to Lord Kedareshwara is said to have been created here during the period of Vishnuvardhana.

Видео Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu - Belur Taluk of Hassan District канала Maha Masthakabhisheka 2018