Halebidu: The Hoysala Capital

Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu

Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu

A must see destination in any cultural tour of India, Halebid, previously known as Dwarasamudra (the gateway to the sea), was the capital of the powerful south Indian dynasty of the Hoysalas who were famous temple builders. Halebid was the Hoysala capital before Belur (in Karnataka).

Also known as Halebeedu, Halebid (in Hassan District of Karnataka) is home to the awe-inspiring Hoysaleswara temple.

Places of attraction in Halebid

Hoysaleswara Temple

Halebid’s claim to fame, Hoysaleswara Temple, is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. Hoysaleswara temple is a cultural extravaganza. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was also built during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana. Its construction started around 1121 CE and was complete in 1160 CE.

Its construction was initiated by Ketmalla, a general of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhan who ruled for a long period from 1108 AD to 1152AD.

The Hoysaleswara Temple, along with the nearby Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Keshava Temple at Somanathapura was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2023 as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.

Perched on a star shape base, the walls of the Hoysaleswara Temple are richly sculpted with several varieties of carvings and friezes.

Kedareswara Temple

Kedareswara Temple, Halebidu / Image Credit

Smaller than Hoysaleswara Temple, Kedareswara Temple was built by Hoysala ruler Ballala II and his queen Abhinava Ketala Devi in 1219 A.D.

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