Hoysaleswara Temple Alias Halebidu Temple is a Lord Shiva at Halebidu in Karnataka, India. The Hoysala kings built this temple. Halebidu Town was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. It is the largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India.
Hoysala style of architecture is used in this temple’s design. Hoysala Dynasty King Vishnuvardhana built this temple on the banks of a large man-made lake. He started work on the temple in 1121 CE and completed it in 1160 CE. Artisans carved it from soapstones. There are inscriptions in North Indian and South Indian scripts in the temple.
Undoubtedly, this temple’s sculptures are one of the best in the country. The legends connected with Hindu theology are depicted in forty reliefs here. Other minor sculptures narrate Hindu texts, such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
The temple complex consists of two temples. Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara are worshipped here. Hence, Shiva linga is the deity at both temples. There are two Nandi shrines on the front side, one on the north and the other on the south. Each of these Nandi statues faces each Shiva linga.
Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism cult themes can be seen in the Hoysaleswara temple. Also, Jain Images are found here.
There were superstructure towers, which some attackers destroyed. Delhi Sultanate was one such attacker of the Hoysala dynasty that damaged the temples.
Shri Kedareshwara Swami Temple at Halebidu
Shri Kedareshwara Swami Temple or Kedareswara Temple at Halebidu is less than a kilometer away from the Hoysaleswara Temple. Kedareshwara Temple has some remarkable sculptures; many of them are exquisite! However, very few people visit this temple.
How Do I Go to Hoysaleswara Temple alias Halebidu Temple?
Halebidu town is 30 kilometers from Hassan city. Hassan Junction railway station, alias Hassana Junction railway station, with station code HAS, is the nearest railway station to Halebidu.
Mysore Airport (code MYQ) is the nearest airport at 157 kilometers. Mangalore airport (code IXE) is 176 kilometers distance. Bengaluru International Airport (code BLR) is the closest major airport with good connectivity, 230 kilometers away.
