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Halebid
Situated at a distance of 31km from Hassan, Halebid (Halebidu) earlier known
as Dwarasamudra was the ancient and wealthy capital city of the Hoysala Empire.
Halebid means ruined city. The place is famous for the remnants of the glorious
Hoyasala period and has one of the finest Hoysala temple named Hoysaleswara
temple.
Hoysaleswara
Temple
 One of
the largest Shiva temple of South India, Hoysaleswara temple located in Halebidu,
31 km from Hassan, is a remarkable monument of Hoysala architecture. The temple,
constructed in 12th century during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara
was named after this king.
Hoysaleswara temple complex comprises two Hindu temples and
two Jain Bastis. The Jain bastis located within a garden enclosure have gleaming
blackstone pillars and carved ceilings. The Hindu temple on the northern
side is devoted to God Shanthaleshwara and that of the southern side to God
Hoysaleswara. A monolithic Nandi bull statue is placed in front of these shrines.
The temple complex faces a large water tank which was believed
to be built in the middle of 11th century. The walls of the temple are covered
with detailed friezes and sculptures depicting scenes narrated in Hindu epics.
The various sculpture inside the temple like Krishna lifting mount Govardhana,
Rama defeating the demon God Ravana etc. shows the excellence of the artisans'
craft.
The Archaeological Museum located on the temple
premises displays 12th-13th Century sculptures, wood carvings idols, coins and
inscriptions. It is opened on all days from 10am to 5pm except Fridays. Top
Belur
Belur town, renowned as Dakshina Varanasi: i.e the Banaras of South, is
situated 37kms from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi. Once the capital
of the Hoysala Empire, this quaint hamlet has several temples like Chennakeshava
Temple and monuments that displays ancient Hoysala sculpture and architecture.
Chennakeshava
Temple
Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture by King Vishnuvardhana of
Hoysala in 1117 A.D, Chennakeshava temple is one of the major attraction of
Belur, about 37kms from Hassan. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Chennakeshava
(literally means handsome Kesava), this monument of supreme architectural beauty
took over 103 years to complete.
The temple build on a star-shape platform has three doorways
and bracket figures or 'Madanikas' which are masterpieces of craftsmanship.
The intricate carvings on the stone walls and the gravity pillar in the courtyard
are the unique features of the temple. The interior of the temple considered
even better than the outside, contains many exquisite panels and richly carved
pillars. Chennakeshava temple has about hundred feet height and possesses a
huge gateway tower. Top
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