An Icon of the Intricately Carved Temples of India.
The Halebeedu Temple in the interiors of rural Karnataka is one of the icons of the intricately carved temples of Southern India. It is also referred alternately as the Hoysaleshwara Temple. It is a 12th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebeedu, which was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temple was sponsored by the King Vishnuvardhana.
The temple actually consists of two twin temples of the same size with their sanctums opening east, facing sunrise. The sanctum of Hoysaleshwara (the King), and Shantaleshwara (the Queen, Shantala Devi), both have a Shiva linga. Outside, on the east both temples have a smaller shrine, each with a seated Nandi, facing the lingas. There are many exquisite carvings and friezes on the platforms and walls of the main temples. The temple carvings and walls have been done with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens over time.
The Halebeedu temples, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The temple premises is open from sunrise to sunset. It is best to visit the temple early in the morning when there is less of a crowd, and the climate is cooler. Later bus loads of school and college children arrive from the nearby institutions for a study tour cum picnic, along with the other tourists. There is no entry fee, and parking is available outside the temple premises. Guides and booklets are available from the vendors at the entrance gate. Do bargain for a better price.
Photography is allowed inside the temples as well, except in the sanctum sanctorum. Footwear has to be removed before entering the temple. There is a huge garden around the temple premises where one can enjoy a serene stroll on the neat green lawns with many old trees and flowering bushes.
There are refreshment stalls outside as well, and proper restaurants and shops are just a hop, skip and jump away in the main town. KSTDC runs a lodge by the name of ‘Mayura Shanthala’ just across the road, which has a decent restaurant as well.
This heritage site of India is a must visit, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, about 17 km away, and Shravanabelagola, about 80 km towards Bangalore.
Show lessThe temple actually consists of two twin temples of the same size with their sanctums opening east, facing sunrise. The sanctum of Hoysaleshwara (the King), and Shantaleshwara (the Queen, Shantala Devi), both have a Shiva linga. Outside, on the east both temples have a smaller shrine, each with a seated Nandi, facing the lingas. There are many exquisite carvings and friezes on the platforms and walls of the main temples. The temple carvings and walls have been done with soapstone, which is soft when quarried, but hardens over time.
The Halebeedu temples, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The temple premises is open from sunrise to sunset. It is best to visit the temple early in the morning when there is less of a crowd, and the climate is cooler. Later bus loads of school and college children arrive from the nearby institutions for a study tour cum picnic, along with the other tourists. There is no entry fee, and parking is available outside the temple premises. Guides and booklets are available from the vendors at the entrance gate. Do bargain for a better price.
Photography is allowed inside the temples as well, except in the sanctum sanctorum. Footwear has to be removed before entering the temple. There is a huge garden around the temple premises where one can enjoy a serene stroll on the neat green lawns with many old trees and flowering bushes.
There are refreshment stalls outside as well, and proper restaurants and shops are just a hop, skip and jump away in the main town. KSTDC runs a lodge by the name of ‘Mayura Shanthala’ just across the road, which has a decent restaurant as well.
This heritage site of India is a must visit, along with the Kesava temple at Belur, about 17 km away, and Shravanabelagola, about 80 km towards Bangalore.
Date of experience: December 2018
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