Hoysaleswara temple is related to Lord Shiva of Hindu religion. The temple was constructed in Halebidu by the king known as King Vishnuvardhana at the time of Hoysala Empire during the period of 12th century. The construction of temple was finished at the time of 1121 CE. The condition of temple was not good during the initial time period of 14 century because Muslim invaders belong to Northern India had looted the temple as well as the place Halebidu was sack. The place Halebidu was earlier known as Dwarasamudra or Dorasamudra and the distance of this place of Karnataka state in India known as Halebidu from Belur is sixteen kilometers, from Hassan is thirty one kilometers and from Mysore is one hundred forty nine kilometers.

Hoysaleswara temple was very famous for its sculptural details before the time period of 1121 CE. Infinite variety of different depictions related to Hindu mythology, birds, animals, and dancing figures or Shilabalikas can be seen on temple’s walls.In spite of that two same kinds of sculptures cannot be found in temple. The construction of this wonderful temple which is guarded by Nandi Bull was continued for 86 years but even then it was not completed. Sculpture detail of Jain basadi which is located near to temple are of equal standard like temple. The distance of Belur from Bangalore is 222 kilometers and distance of Halebidu from Bangalore is 216 kilometers. There is a proposal for defining this temple as heritage site of UNESCO.

Hoysaleswara temple can be defined as sculptural marvel and the platform of temple has very fine detailed scrollwork on stone on which the temple is standing. This temple of star shape is actually a combination of two same kinds of temples along with separate mandapams and sanctuaries in parallel. A hilltop, Shiva’s chariot and Nandi bull can be seen outside the temple where the palace is stood and they are connected through a passageway with the temple. Variety of Goddess and Gods, birds, dancing girls and animals can be seen on temple’s ramparts. Garuda stambha can be considered a precious note structure in Hoysaleswara temple.

History

it is clear from the records that the name of temple is derived from the name of Hoysala ruler of that period known as Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara. It is also an interesting fact that actually the temple’s construction was financed and started by rich citizens of city who were known as Shaiva where Kesarasetti and Ketamalla were most prominent. Actually the construction of this temple was done in competition of a temple known as Chennakesava temple which was a Vaishnava category temple and was situated in Belur. A tank of large type, built in mid period of 11th century is faced by temple and water for tank is received by channels through a dam which was built on the river known as Yagachi river. The temple is preceded by tank from about 75 years. This temple is one among the biggest temples which are dedicated to Lord Shiva in South part of India.

Architecture

This temple can be considered as the best example of architecture belongs to Hindu style because of its remarkable structure. The architecture of temple is often termed as ‘Indian architecture’s supreme climax’. Recesses and many projections on the walls in exterior of temple make its structure complex where as interior appearance of temple is simple. A tremendous stone sculpture can be seen on the walls of exterior part of temple.

The main reason behind the popularity of Hoysaleswara temple is sculptures of its walls which are seen from outset of outer wall. Image of Lord Ganesha in dancing position can be seen at the left position of south entrance and this series ends through a different Lord Ganesha’s image at right position of north entrance. Minimum 240 images can be seen in whole collection.  Two ways of entry where one is eastern entryway and other is southern entryway which are traceable in the form of beams belong to most complicated sculptures.

Temple has simple interior except the pillars in rows started by south and north doorways. Madnika sculpture is adopted for making each shrine’s forefront. The four porches of temple are serving as doorways. The north porch is generally opened for entry.

Sunkasi is the name of shrine’s superstructure and is used as a series of miniature roof of ornamented nature. Shrine’s towers are not present there.The construction of temple is done on proper height for providing proper vertical and horizontal space for illustrating small and large sculptures.

Ways to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport is only 168 kilometers away which is known as Mangalore although Bangalore International Airport is very close from this place which is only two hundred twenty two kilometers from this place. The rates of cabs or taxi is also very reasonable and charge is only Rs.2,500/- from the city Mangalore and from Bangalore it only costs Rs.3,500/-. Air terminal of Mangalore is connected by two major cities known as Chennai and Bangalore. Airport of Bangalore is attached nearly by all major airports of the country. Major International cities are also covered by this airport. 

By Rail

Hassan is the closet railway station which is only twenty seven kilometers from the city of Halebidu. Charges for taxi are only Rs.400/- in order to reach Halebidu from the place Hassan. This place is very well connected by its neighboring states as well as with the state Karnataka.

By Road

In order to reach by road bus services of KSRTC is very well organized in Halebidu  and are attached to all main cities including Bangalore which is only 222 kilometers from this place. However, services of private buses are also there from Bangalore. Majestic buses cost only Rs.600/- in order to drop out the passengers to Halebidu station.

Important Shrines

Two shrines are famous for Hoysaleswara Temple, one shrine is dedicated to Shantaleswara which is known as Shantala Devi and believed to be a queen for King Vishnuvardhana and other shrine is dedicated to Hoysaleswara.This temple stands on the platform and the entire temple is being constructed by stone known as soapstone which has another name also known as potstone. However,these two shrines are in the position which are next to other shrine, these shrines are facing towards the direction of east. This shrine consists of Shiv Lingham which is unique sign of God Shiva.

Apart from these two shrines, there is other shrine which is dedicated to the God Surya. This Lord Surya’s statue shape is seven ft high. Although halls of this temple contains large images of God Nandi who is considered as a personal helper of the Supreme Lord known as ‘Shiva’. This temple is considered as a proof of olden days. This temple is completely based on the architecture of Hindus.

Importance of this Temple

This Hoysaleswara Temple is famous for its sculptures on walls which can seen all over the temple walls, starting with the image of Ganesha in the position of dance on the southern side there is yet another same image of Lord Ganesha. In totality there are 240 images in all over the temple.

There are 2 eaves which cover the entire temple, one eave is on top of the roof and the other one is only a meter away from the first one. Below the second eave there are 8 friezes andwall sculptures. Every frieze contains ornamentations from the location where the wall of the temple meets platform. The frieze which is lowest among all 8 friezes displays elephants and other friezes symbolizing the images of lion, Hindu epics, and floral scrolls, horses symbolizing speed, floral scrolls and valour.

Essential Information and Time of Opening

Temple opens regularly in between 7:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.

Best Visiting Time and Weather

In the summer season the best time is March, April and May as the temperature of this place reaches up to 37 degree Celsius and falls up to minimum 24 degree Celsius. In the winter season this place is best suited for the months of December, January and February having temperatures minimum temperature 19 degree Celsius and maximum temperature 30 degree Celsius. Winter season is considered as the best season to visit this temple as well as this place. However, monsoon season creates the atmosphere of humidity as there is heavy rain in this place.

There are many festivals which attract many tourists from all over the world. Festivals like Mahashivaratri and Deepavali play a vital role in increasing the tourist traffic for this place but dance festival known as Hoysala Mahotsava is exclusive in nature which generates thousands of tourists to Halebidu. However, October, November, December, January, February, March and April are best months for this place.

Accomodation

One can stay in same town or can also stay in the big town known as Hassan.

Shree Lodge is the best suitable place located nearby to Hoysaleswara Temple. Room service facility is not included one can only stay and use the toilets however, rooms are average and hygienic.

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