The Hoysala Temples of Karnataka have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list of 2023 recently which has taken the number of Indian listings to a total of 42.
The three temples include the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Keshava Temple in Somanathapura.
Situated in Beluru and Halebidu in the Hassan district and Somnathapura in the Mysuru district of Karnataka, these three temples on the list have been enlisted as the ‘The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas’ and The history of the Hoysala Temples.
All three temples were built by the Hoysala dynasty which ruled over a major part of the Deccan plateau, including all of current day Karnataka, from the 11th to the 14th century.
The Hoysalas had developed a unique architectural style bespeaking a story of combination of Nagara and Dravidian styles.
These temples are made with a deep grey soapstone and follow the stellate plan that spreads out like a star and are always built over a low platform.
The architecture
* The Channakesava Temple which is the oldest of the three temples in Beluru was commissioned by king Vishnuvardhan in 116 AD and is said to have taken 103 years to complete
* The sprawling complex comprises multiple smaller shrines set around the main sanctum dedicated to the ‘most beautiful Vishnu’ (hence Channakesava).
* The exquisite carving gives it an edge over other temples, be it on the exterior walls, which depict detailed scenes from the epics and major mudras of Bharatnatyam, or inside, where mythological figures like nymphs and apsaras come to life.
* The pillars here are the most well-known feature and are said to have inspired the designs of traditional temple jewellery in South India.
The Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Hoysaleswara Temple dates back to the 12th century, built a century after the Channakesava Temple, and was however plundered in the 14th century and has been a ruin ever since, albeit an exceptionally beautiful one.
One of the largest Shiva temples built by the Hoysalas, the place is especially famous for the work on its exterior walls, some of which may remind you of Khajuraho.
The large Nandi right in front of the temple is also a striking structure on its own.
The Keshava temple Somnathapura
About 30 mins from the Hoysaleswara Temple is The Keshava temple Somnathapura, close to Mysuru.
Built by king Somanatha Dandanayaka during the regime of Narasimha III in 1268, it is similar to the other two in the architecture, layout and style with large star-shaped platforms, intricately carved ceiling, a grand sanctum sanctorum and a striking idol of lord Vishnu.
Where to stay
Although Beluru and Halebidu are small towns, they have few places to stay as many resorts have now come up in the vicinity.