The Hoysala Dynasty is a famous South Indian Dynasty that reigned over a prominent part of the Deccan region. Especially the present-day Karnataka state, during the medieval period. The Hoysala dynasty is well renowned for its architectural accomplishments, especially the construction of complex and beautifully detailed temples. The Hoysala dynasty perceived a cultural blend of different traditions, including Dravidian, Chalukyan, and Chola influences.
This fusion is marked in their art, architecture, and cultural practices. The Hoysalas are well known for their contributions to temple architecture. The temples are branded by their star-shaped design and highly complex and detailed sculptures, portraying various divinities, mythological scenes, and intricate floral motifs. The Hoysala mainly used soapstone as their main building material which allowed for complex carving and detailing.
The ceilings of the Hoysala temples contain intricate designs which create a visually striking effect when viewed from below. These temples are well known for their lath-turned, cylindrical pillars with complicated carvings and detailed craftsmanship. The temples are ornate with beautifully engraved sculptures of divinities, mythological figures, and scenes from epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata. Let’s delve into some of the prominent Hoysala temples in Karnataka.
Exploring Karnataka’s Magnificent Hoysala Temples: A Must-See List
1. The Chennakeshava Temple, Belur:
The Chennakeshava Temple is located in the Belur in Karnataka and was constructed in the 12th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it characterizes the Hoysala style of temple architecture and also by complex carvings, sculptures, and craftsmanship. The temple’s exterior walls are engraved with complex friezes portraying scenes from Hindu mythology, comprising episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata.
One of the prominent features is the collection of Madanikas which are known for their elegant postures and excellent beauty. Although facing many challenges including invasions and natural calamities, the Chennakeshava temple stands as a beacon of the artistic and architectural greatness of the Hoysala dynasty. It continues to attract visitors offers a sight into Karnataka’s lush cultural heritage and serves as a precious symbol of the region’s architectural legacy.
2. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Nuggehalli:
Nuggehalli is a tiny village situated in a Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district in Karnataka. This temple was constructed by BommannaDandanayaka, a Hoysala King Vira Someshwara commander, in 1246 AD. This temple is a Trikuta temple which contains three Shikaras and is built on an elevated platform or Jagati, a significant feature of the Hoysala architecture. The three sanctum houses are Chennakeshava on the west, Venumadhav on the south, and Lakshmi Narasimha on the north. There is a circular elevated platform in the center of the Mandapa supported by four pillars.
All the nine ceilings are engraved beautifully. The Navrangmandapa is linked to a pillared Mukhamandapa with Vigrahas of Durga, Saraswathi, and Harihara on the left side. The entrance is called Mahadwara and the MukhaMandapais are the later add-ons by the Vijayanagara Kings. The outer wall of the temple is ornate with figures of Gods and Goddesses, and the tales from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata. There are panels with images portraying the social fabric dominant in the 11th and 12th centuries. Rathotsava is a famous festival celebrated during April in this temple.
3. Ishwara Temple, Arasikere:
Arasikere is a tiny town situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Arasikere means “Queens Tank” in Kannada. Arasi means queen or princess and the kere means lake. Ishwara Temple is bestowed to Shiva is an Ekakuta temple that contains one Shikara, and two mandapas. The interior structure contains Garbhagriha, Sukanasi, Darshanamandapa, and a NatyaMandapa. The NatyaMandapa is a settled structure supported by 21 lathe pillars and an uneven star-shaped dome.
The ceiling is complicatedly carved in the shape of an inverted lotus. An elevated platform is constructed for seating purposes and supported by small elephant structures at the bottom. The exterior wall of the shrine is ornate with figures of divinities, stories from Puranas, and epics. This soapstone temple was constructed during the rule of King Veer Ballal. Shivarathri is the major festival in this temple. Arasikere is 41 kilometres from Hassan and 200 kilometres from Karnataka.
Hassan Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Hassan Temple Trip Itinerary
4. Veer Narayan Temple, Belavadi:
Belavadi is situated near Halebidu in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. This place is mentioned as Ekachakranagar in Mahabharat and it is said that here Padavaprince Bhima destroyed the demon Bakasura. It is a Trikuta Temple and the middle shrine is dedicated to Veer Narayan Swamy with Venugopal on the left and the Yoga Narasimha on the right. Two engraved elephants edge the entrance. 8-foot tall ChaturbhujVeerayanSwamy engraved on Saligrama in stone stands on an open lotus fringed by Shridevi and Bhudevi on his sides.
Ten avatars of Vishnu are engraved on the top. An engineering wonder of this temple is that on the equinox day, the first ray of the sun crosses the seven doors of the temple and falls on the idol of VeernarayanSwamy. A huge number of people assemble on that day as it is an important event. Festivals like Chaitra Purnima, Janmashtami, and Rathasaptami are celebrated grandly in this temple. Belavadi is 12 kilometers far away from Halebidu on the JavagalChickmagalur Highway.
Read also: Sacred Sites in Rameshwaram: A Temple Guide
5. Pachalingeshwar Temple, Govindanhalli:
Panchalingeshwar temple is a Panchakuta Temple that contains five vimanas on the north-south axis, fronting east that opens into a huge common pillared hall. Every shrine contains a Garbhagriha, and Sukanasi in the same location that opens into a pillared hall. A nicely sculpted Nandi is seated on the entry facing the shrines. The lathe pillars are ornately polished and engraved and produce a metallic sound when tapped.
The exterior wall of the temple contains ten avatars of Vishnu and other sculptures of various Gods and Goddess engraved in the Hoysala style. This was constructed around 1237- 38 AD by the prominent Hoysala sculptor Mallitamma. This temple is situated 5 kilometers away from the Kikkeri on the Srirangapatnam – Channarayapatna highway.
6. Bhoga Narasimha Temple, Shanthigrama:
This temple was also known as Shri Lakshmi Sametha Varada Yoga Bhoga Narasimha Temple. The entrance is through a large colourful and complicatedly engraved gopuram. Inside the courtyard, there is a small Ekakuta shrine which is dedicated to Narasimha. This temple is painted white so that the pillars and exterior walls do not look like a Hoysala temple.
Narasimha is viewed sitting with Lakshmi on his left and holding Shank in his right hand and Chakra in his left hand. The ceremonial puja has been conducted for the past 1200 years. The central ceiling contains nine forms of Narasimha that are Nava Narasimha in a circle. This temple was constructed by Queen Shanthala Devi, the wife of King Vaishnuvardhan in the 11th century.
Conclusion:
The temples listed above are the most prominent Hoysala Temples which stand as a timeless wonder of architecture, representing the rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the Hoysala Empire. The Hoysala dynasty’s architectural and artistic legacy is to be rejoiced in Karnataka and beyond. Their temples are famous tourist attractions and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The dynasty’s contribution to South Indian culture and architecture endured highly deemed in the fields of art and history. The Hoysala dynasty and their temples left an ineradicable mark on the cultural and architectural heritage. Their temples considered for their brilliant craftsmanship, continue to be admired by art experts and visitors to the region.
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