THE HOYSALAS

NEWS: Increased focus on the silent or overlooked Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka, such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli.

Hoysala Temples

Halebidu (Hoysaleshwara Temple)

• Constructed around 1121 CE
• Consists of two identical temples side-by-side, dedicated to Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara.
• Outer walls contain miles of continuous carvings depicting elephants (strength), lions (courage), and floral scrolls
• Two massive monolithic Nandi statues housed in open-pillared pavilions.

Belur (Chennakeshava Temple)

• Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE
• To commemorate his victory over the Cholas at Talakadu.
• Famous for 42 Salabhanjika (bracket figures) depicting celestial dancers
• Star-Shaped Platform (Jagati)
• Features a 42-foot high monolithic pillar in the courtyard
• The Narasimha Pillar once could be rotated

Lakshmidevi Temple, Doddagaddavalli:

• One of the earliest Hoysala temples (1114 CE)
• Features a Chatuskuta (four-shrine) plan.
• Notable for its Mahakali shrine guarded by skeletal Betalas (ghouls).

Bucheshwara Temple, Koravangala:

• A grand Dvikuta temple where the carvings represent the transition into the peak Hoysala style.

Hulikere Kalyani:

A magnificent stepwell featuringà 12 shrines with towers (shikharas) and 14 without, symbolizing the zodiac and lunar mansions