Hoysaleswara Temple

The Hoysaleswara temple was built by Ketamalla, a minister of King Vishnuvardhana in the 12th Century. Hoysaleswara Temple is one amongst the largest shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India.The construction of this marvelous shrine got completed in 1121 CE. Located at Halebid, Hoysaleshwara Temple can be easily reached from Belur (16 kms), Hassan (31 kms) and Mysore (149 kms) in Karnataka .

The Hoysaleswara temple has the Idols of Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara. Hoysaleswara is named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and Santaleswara after his wife, Queen Santala. The sanctum is built on a stellar plan, with a Sukhanasi, Navaranga and Nandi Mandtaps. Each of these mantap resembles the Belur Chennakesava temple in design. The Kedareswara temple built by King Ballala II, at Halebidu also in ruins is considered to be another master piece of architectural grandeur. As with the Hoysaleswara temple, this temple has classic figures and scenes from the epics. There are over a hundred images set on the upper parts of the walls. Also nearby, are Jain temples dedicated to Parsvanatha, Santhanatha and Adinatha.

Southern India

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