Halebid Important information

 Halebid

This ancient capital of Hoysala's was founded in the early llth century and named Dwarasamudra, after a huge artificial  lake   dating  back  to   9th century. The flourishing capital city had a small fortress with a magnificent palace. It was fortified with a wall of enormous boulders and a moat that was connected  with  the   lake.   Halebid HoysaleswaraTemple attained glorious heights during the reign of Ballala -II, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana. The prosperity of Halebid attracted the forces of Delhi Sultanate, who invaded and anrexed the town in 1311. In 13 26, it was again attacked and rav^ ,ed by the forces of Mohammad bin Tughlak. Repeated invasions and the killing of king Ballala III, in the battle against the Sultan of Madura in 1342, forced the Hoysalas to relinquish their beautiful capital, which was then referred as 'Halebid' or the 'Old Capital'. The Hoysalas built over 150 exquisite temples in southern Karnataka, but the temples at Halebid, Belur and Somnathpur are considered to be outstanding.

Tourist Acctration in Halebid

• Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara Temple : This magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest and the best tuiiong Hoysala temples. Its construction was started in 1121, by "Ketumalla", one of the officials of Vishnuvardhana and could be completed only by 1207. The shrine is very similar to the Chenna Keshava temple at Belur, but its figures are more profusely carved. Even after working diligently for about a century, there are still some unfinished portions in this amazing edifice. The sculptural extravaganza has been lavishly praised by the experts, critics and common visitors. The complex consists of two identical temples, each with its own array of'navranga and sukhanasi and Nandi mandapas. Both the sanctums have a characterstic star shaped ground plan and are set on a stone platform as seen in other Hoysala shrines. The temple on the northern side is named Shantaleshwara, after Shantala Devi, the beloved queen of Vishnuvardhana, while the southern side shrine is the Hoysaleswara temple. The two temple halls are joined by a common verandah creating a spacious columned interior. Thousands of intricately carved sculptures depicting scenes from the mythological epics Ramayana, Mahabharta, puranic legends, beasts and beauties etc. adorn the temple walls. There are about thirty five thousand sculpted pieces in the shrine, noted for their breathtaking beauty, but the south doorway unrivalled for its filigree work is considered to be a masterpiece of delicate carving. The central figure portrays Lord Shiva with demon Andhakasur under his feet, while on the either side of the lintel are Hoysala motif depicting a man single-handedly fighting a tiger.

Both the sanctums enshrine a east facing lingam, Preceded by a Nandi mandapa with a huge statue of j Nandi bull, the celestial vehicle of Lord Shiva. There is an Archaeological Museum in front of the Hoysaleswara temple. Other attractions of Halebid Kedareswara Temple, Basadi Halli (Jainrines),and Sri Ranganatha Temple.

REACHING THE

Airport . Mangalore ( 170 kms.).

Rail head : Hassan (33 kms.). ;

Road : It is 16 kms. east of Belur and well connected by road. Bangalore is about 220 kms.