Hoysaleshwara: The Benaras of the South

Nestled in Halebidu, the extravagant capital of the wealthy Hoysala Empire, the Hoysaleswara Temple is an intricate celebration of the glory of Lord Shiva. Its architectural finesse, amalgamated with the rich history it is symbolic of, makes this shrine nothing short of a wonder.

The Hoysaleshwara Temple Complex; Image Source: Karnataka Tourism

Acclaimed as the ‘Benaras of South’, Halebidu is a small city in the Hassan district of Mysore in Karnataka. But what makes this beautiful yet modest place a significant part of the Hindu religion? Being the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire, Halebidu encompasses awe-worthy examples of Indian temple architecture. Among a myriad of these temples is counted the famous Hoysaleshwara Temple.

It was in the twelfth century when the Hoysala Empire was under the reign of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara. With the hefty donations received from the Shaivas, he ordered the construction of a Shiva Temple in Dwarasamudra, now known as Halebidu. The structure was built to compete with the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, which came into being as a Vaishnava shrine.

Standing the test of time

The temple went on to be ransacked twice by rulers of the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. Owing to this, the place came to be known as ‘Halebidu, the city of ruins.

The Hoysaleswara temple is actually a twin temple, meaning it comprises two shrines and two super spectrums. The twin shrines within the temple premises are dedicated to the Hoysaleshwara and Santaleswara shivalingas. The Hoysaleshwara shrine represents the masculine aspect of the deity while the Santaleswara shrine reflects the feminine.

It is believed that the masculine deity was worshipped by the king and the feminine one by the queen. The twin temple houses a Nandi statue at the entrance of both these shrines. Apart from being Shiva shrine, the Hoysaleshwara Temple bears tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata in the form of carvings and inscriptions.

Amalgamating masculine and feminine energies

Portraying the regal heritage

The Hoysaleshwara Temple has paved its way among the many heritage sites in India as listed by UNESCO. Besides the shrines within the temple complex, there is also a museum that is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Ruins and pieces that have witnessed the journey of the temple through time are displayed here.

Intricate interiors that infuse intrigue

Even though the exteriors of the temple are a treat to the eyes, the interiors are no less. The interiors can be accessed through four entrances. An image that depicts Lord Ganesha dancing can be found near the entrance. Towards the south of the temple, there is also a pillar called the Garuda Sthamba. Additionally, the walls and interior spaces are adorned with exquisite carvings.

The Santaleswara Shrine; Image Source: My Holiday Happiness

The Nandi Statue positioned at the entrance; Image Source: YatrikaOne

Pillars that adorn the temple interiors; Image Source: NativePlanet

The Chennakesava Temple at Belur; Image Source: Karnataka.com

 Broken sculptures within the temple premises; Image Source: Indian Backpacker

 Intricate carvings on the pillars; Image Source: TheRevolvingCompass