Temples of Hoysala Empire in Karnataka - Part 2

Before moving further, Read Temples of Hoysala Empire in Karnataka– Part 1

India is a land of temples. And your India travel should cover almost every era, every dynasty that has happened in history.

4. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu

Halebeedu or Halebidu is in Hassan District- Karnataka. The main attraction of this place is Hoysaleswara Temple belonging to the ear of Hoysala empire.

The temples are the perfect example of the Hoysala style architecture. The ornate pillars and walls depict a variety of hindu mythological stories. A huge Nandi guards the temple.

Ornate Entrance of the Temple with Dwarapalas (guards),

Hoysaleswara temple, Halebeedu

ornate ceiling hoysala temple in halebeedu

Ceiling of the temple entrance.

Nandi, Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu

Lakshminarayan at Hoysaleswara Temple,Halebeedu

Arjuna at Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu

The famous Darpana Sundari - Beauty with mirror

Ganesha in Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu.

Shilabalikas, dancing ladies are the main attraction of their sculpture.

5. Kedareshwara Temple, Halebeedu

Kedareshwara Temple is another attraction of Halebeedu.Visitors to Halebeedu usually skip this temple, since is lesser known than Hoysaleswara Temple. Thus, this temple is more calm and peaceful than the former. The detailed photography of the carvings has more scope at this temple. :)

It is located at a short distance from Hoysaleswara Temple in the town of Halebeedu. The diety of worship here is Lord Ishwara.

Ganesha at Kedareswara Temple, Halebidu

krishnakalinga mardana Kedareswara temple Halebeedu

Kalinga Mardhana - Krishna dancing on Kalinga (5 headed serpent)

mahishasura mardini Kedareswara temple Halebeedu

Mahishasura Mardhini - Goddess slaining the demon Mahishasura.

shiva parvati nandi Kedareswara temple Halebeedu

Shiva-Parvathi riding on Nandi bull

Vamana recieving offers from King Bali

natya shanthala Kedareswara temple Halebeedu

Natya Sharada (Goddess Sharada Dancing Posture)

shardula in Kedareswara temple Halebeedu

Makara/Shardula captured at Kedareshwara Temple, Halebeedu.

Makara, a mythical animal combining the body of a fish, the tail of a peacock, the mouth of a crocodile, the ears of a pig and the eyes of a monkey.

How to reach Halebeedu?

Halebeedy is well connected by road from major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan and Mangalore. Halebeedu is 216 Km from Bangalore by road.

Nearest Airport: is Bangalore.

Our route (by road): Belur to Halebeedu, 17 km

6. Hoysala Kalyani, Hulikere

Hulikere is about 3 kms from Halebeedu. It lies on the Halebidu - Hagare road. The beauty of the kalyani (or well) lies in the oranted sanctum like structures around the well. The Hoysala Kalyani is a underground well constructed with steps in all sides to step down to the deeper levels of the well.

This well surrounded by 12 sanctums with pinnacle and 14 without pinnacle. It is believed that the 12 sanctums represent the zodiac signs.

There is a belief that Shathala Devi, queen of King Vishnvardhana used to bathe here in the Kalyani/Pushkarni/Tank of Hulikere.

7. Lakshminarasimha Temple, Javagal

Javagal is about 50 km from the city of Hassan. From Halebeedu it is situated at a distance of 20 km. Javagal has the one of the prides of Hoysala Empire, Lakshminarasimha Temple.

This is a trikuta (3 deities) temple. The temple tower/vimana over the central shrine is highly decorative. The main diety is Lord Narasimha. It was built by the Hoysala King Vira Someshwara.

The ornate walls with a pipe line hole for the abhisheka to pass out.

Lord Vishnu, Lakshminarasimha Temple, Javagal

Venugopal (Krishna with his flute)

Indra on his elephant

How to reach Javagal?

Javagal is well connected by road from Hassan (around 50 Km) and from Halebeedu (about 20 Km)

Our Route (by road): From Hulikere, Javagal is just about 7 km

8. Ishwara Temple, Arasikere

Arasikere is town in Hassan District. Arasikere is situated at a distance of 40 km from teh city of Hassan in Karnataka.The Hoysala temple at Arasikere is dedicated to Lord Shiva.