Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu Temple) and Shantaleswara Temple

Based on the ‘twin temple’ concept consists of two shrines and two superspectrums, this Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu Temple) & Shantaleswara temple, especially the former, is often regarded as a perfect example of Hoysala style of architecture. These shrines are named after the masculine and feminine aspects. Halebidu was the capital region for the Hoysalas, who ruled from 10th to 14th century. The construction of this temple was sanctioned in the 12th century by the then Hoysala ruler ‘Vishnuvardhana’.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the work began in 1120 AD and completed in 1160 AD. Though the temple had to face the rampages by the Muslim rulers from Delhi and ruined in some way, its artwork remains intact, which is the reason behind the flock of tourists. The entire compound had a lot of temples to Hinduism and Jainism, most of them were destroyed in that invasion. Built using the trademark soapstones (metamorphic rocks), the outer walls have very intrinsic carvings of animal figurines like elephants, horses, lions etc. They are followed by miniature carvings of dancers, friezes narrating legends from the Hindu texts.

It is followed by depictions of daily life of people in the next few layers of carving, including festivals. One can also find different carvings depicting artha, kama, dharma scenes including courtship and eroticism. Large panels with bigger figurines depicting the deities of Hinduism, and the mythical scenes from different epic stories are beautifully explained. The interiors are as beautiful as the outer walls. There are 4 entrances to each of the temple shrines. The doors also had two doorkeepers statues on either side, while some were damaged and missing. The four pillars right in front of the shrine have carvings on top of them. Lord Shiva’s attendant Nandi statue here is acclaimed to be one of the largest monolithic statues In India.

The most interesting part of the temple is the Garuda Sthamba, a rare pillar that depicts the history of the bodyguards that lived with the Kings. These bodyguards committed suicide on the death of their master and the event is narrated in detail on the pillar. There is a museum in the temple premises, managed by the department of archeological survey of India, consisting of different ruins and pieces that were recovered from around the temple. Though there are four different porches serving as four entryways, only the North one is open for the visitors. This temple is considered a marvellous and outstanding example of the kind of labor that has been put to construct and the kind of intricate work that is depicted to compete with worldly arts.