Halebid
has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines.
The Hoysaleshwara temple, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural
extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone.
Halebid is 15 km from Belur.
This place was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of Hoysalas.
Outside there is a Nandi (Bull), the mount of Shiva, and a hillock where the
Palace stood, connected to the temple by a passage. Inside its dark depths,
the queen Shantala Devi beckons from an alcove.
The
figure of mortals and immortals are larger here as compared to Belur and are
beautifully chiseled, in shining black stone.
The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals,
birds and dancing girls. There is a museum on the lawn with 12-13th century
sculpture and the gold coins in use at the time.
Another famous temple is the Keddareshwara temple where the sculptor's virtuosity
seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith's skill in its sheer intricacy.
Select a holiday
with us