Hoysaleswara Temple Alias Halebidu Temple is a Lord Shiva at Halebidu in Karnataka, India. This temple was built in the Hoysala style of architecture. This temple is the largest temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva in South India, built by the Hoysala kings. Halebidu Town was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire.
Hoysala dynasty King Vishnuvardhana built this temple on the banks of a large man-made lake. Work on the temple was started in 1121 CE and completed in 1160 CE. It is carved from soapstone and is known for its sculptures. There are inscriptions in North Indian and South Indian scripts in the temple. Forty reliefs depict the Hindu theology that is connected with the legends. Other minor sculptures narrate Hindu texts, such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
This famous temple at Halebidu is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara. 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 states faces each Shiva linga.
Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism cult themes can be seen in the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu. Images from Jainism can also be found in the Hoysaleswara Temple.
There were superstructure towers, which the attackers destroyed. Delhi Sultanate is one such attacker of the temples built by the Hoysala Kings.
Shri Kedareshwara Swami Temple, Halebidu
Kedareswara Temple at Halebidu is about less than a kilometer away from the Hoysaleswara Temple. Kedareshwara Temple has some remarkable sculptures; many of them are exquisite! Sadly, 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 these ancient and famous temples at 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.
