Hoysaleswara Temple Halebid
The Hoysaleswara temple was built by Ketamalla, a minister of KingVishnuvardhana in the 12th Century. Halebidu was ransacked and vandalized by the armies of Malik Kafur, after which it fell into the present state of disrepair and neglect. 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.
It is believed that the temple derived its name from Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara, the presiding ruler in those times. However, the erection of the temple was started and sponsored by the affluent Shaiva citizens (mainly Ketamalla and Kesarasetti) of Halebid. At the time of construction, a tough competition held between Hoysaleswara Temple and Chennakesava Temple at Belur. Hoysaleswara Temple witnessed ransack of loot and raid by the Muslim invaders in the early 14th century. After the horrifying incident, the temple was reduced to rubble and fell into the state of sheer neglect.
Hoysaleswara Temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Hoysaleswara and another for Shantaleswara (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana). Standing on a raised platform, the temple is made out of Chloritic Schist (Soapstone, also known as potstone). Both of the shrines are located next to each other, facing the east direction. The shrine comprises the Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva), the universal symbol of Lord Shiva.
Besides the other shrines, there is one shrine that is dedicated to Lord Surya. Here, Sun God is depicted in the 7 ft tall image. The halls comprise huge images of Nandi, the attendant of Lord Shiva. Hoysaleswara Temple stands as a testimonial of the bygone era. The outstanding structure of the temple has been accredited for being the epitome of Hindu architecture.
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