The Hoysala Kings
ruled most part of Karanataka, the Southern state of India from 10th to 14th
century. These Kings were great patrons of Art, Architecture and commissioned some of the best stone temples ever built.
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Chennakesava Temple, Belur |
The city of Belur
was the capital of the Hoysala kingdom until it was annexed by the Mughal ruler
Allauddin Khilji. The Mughals looted and plunders the capital city after which
Halebidu was established as the new capital. The temples and monuments of Belur
are the best examples of Hoysala architecture and the highlight is the nature
of the carvings; so intricate that they look like carvings made on sandalwood
rather than stone.
The temples are build
on raised platforms and at Chennakesava temple elephants are carved on to the base
of the platform.
The charging Elephants at the lower section symbolize strength and stability ,the lions above symbolize courage and valor and the horses above them symbolize speed.
CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE
The most famous Hoysala temple was built to commemorate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad. It took 103 years and talented workmen to built this magnificent stone temple and is worshiped till date .The interiors of the temple are intricately carved, the strenght of stone has given way to the beauty of idols, ornamental carvings that almost look like metal grill work. The temple was built for Lord Vishnu and Chennakesava literally translates to Handsome Vishnu.
HALEBEEDU
Halebeedu was well fortified with huge boulders and a moat to keep out invaders from the north. The Hoysala empire extended from river Kaveri in the west and Krishna in the east and was enriched by fertile deltas of the rivers.The prosperity and wealth of the Hoysalas kings attracted the forces of the Delhi Sultanate, who invaded and annexed the town in 1311. The invaders took back with them camel loads of gold, silver and precious gems. Halebeedu was attacked a second time in the year 1326 after which the Hoysalas were forced to relinquish their beautiful capital. It was never re-occupied again and the capital was moved to Belure just 16 kms away.
The charging Elephants at the lower section symbolize strength and stability ,the lions above symbolize courage and valor and the horses above them symbolize speed.
CHENNAKESAVA TEMPLE
The most famous Hoysala temple was built to commemorate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad. It took 103 years and talented workmen to built this magnificent stone temple and is worshiped till date .The interiors of the temple are intricately carved, the strenght of stone has given way to the beauty of idols, ornamental carvings that almost look like metal grill work. The temple was built for Lord Vishnu and Chennakesava literally translates to Handsome Vishnu.
View of the Gopuram an ornate tower at the entrance of the temple. The Gopuram is filled with sculptures of different incarnations of Lord Vishnu and beautiful women. The detailed status is of garuda .
The ornate carvings
found in the different Hoysala temples indicate that music and dance were given
high importance during this period.
The temples at
Belur are carved out of soap stone (steatite), this stone is soft and easy to
chisel but attains rock hard firmness when exposed to the atmosphere.
The
exterior walls have carvings of every god in the Hindu religion and some from
Jainism . The Hoysals were Jains before they converted to Hinduism.

HALEBEEDU
Halebeedu was well fortified with huge boulders and a moat to keep out invaders from the north. The Hoysala empire extended from river Kaveri in the west and Krishna in the east and was enriched by fertile deltas of the rivers.The prosperity and wealth of the Hoysalas kings attracted the forces of the Delhi Sultanate, who invaded and annexed the town in 1311. The invaders took back with them camel loads of gold, silver and precious gems. Halebeedu was attacked a second time in the year 1326 after which the Hoysalas were forced to relinquish their beautiful capital. It was never re-occupied again and the capital was moved to Belure just 16 kms away.
I missed belur and halebidu in recent trip in that region. Thank you for write up and great pictures, now I can say I had been to belur and halebidu through john's lenses
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments ! Belur and Halebidu are worth seeing !
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing works. One needs an entire life time to even appreciate their worksmanship.
ReplyDeleteVery True !
DeleteThese are amazing works. One needs an entire life time to even appreciate their worksmanship.
ReplyDeleteThe most beautiful architectures of the State of Karnataka are these temples. No words are sufficient to explain these beautiful carvings.
ReplyDeleteYes dont see such intricate sculptures anywhere else
DeleteThe most beautiful architectures of the State of Karnataka are these temples. No words are sufficient to explain these beautiful carvings.
ReplyDeleteThe most beautiful architecture in the state of Karnataka.
ReplyDeleteThe most beautiful architecture in the state of Karnataka.
ReplyDeleteThe most beautiful architectures of the State of Karnataka are these temples. No words are sufficient to explain these beautiful carvings.
ReplyDeleteThe most beautiful architectures of the State of Karnataka are these temples. No words are sufficient to explain these beautiful carvings.
ReplyDeleteTHank you for sharing these wonderful temple structures made of stone
ReplyDeleteI have a client who wanted a mandir for his home similiar to theone here ...
THis is my web page http://www.dharajyotstoneart.com/home-decor/stone-temples-mandirs
Can you suggest some good place to get it sculpted for home?
Near Belur in Karnataka you will find many such sculptures made out of soap stone
DeleteTrivar vandan to the great sculptures of Belur and Halebid. Incmparable.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is good as well as intresting. The blog is unique by its own and shares a lot of information by it. Thank you for sharing your blog with us.
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Great Work John.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are really beautiful !
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletevery nice post!and the photo is very beautiful
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I like it when folks get together and share thoughts. Great site, stick with it
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