Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, the famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathapur in Karnataka have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list. This inclusion marks the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

This serial property encompasses the three most representative examples of Hoysala-style temple complexes in southern India, dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. The Hoysala style was created through careful selection of contemporary temple features and those from the past to create a different identity from neighbouring kingdoms. The shrines are characterized by hyper-real sculptures and stone carvings that cover the entire architectural surface, a circumambulatory platform, a large-scale sculptural gallery, a multi-tiered frieze, and sculptures of the Sala legend. The excellence of the sculptural art underpins the artistic achievement of these temple complexes, which represent a significant stage in the historical development of Hindu temple architecture.

Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:

It was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD. Beluru (also known earlier as Velapuri, Velur and Belapur in olden times) is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and was one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.

It is a star-shaped temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is the main temple in the temple complex at Belur.

Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid:

This twin-shrined temple is perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas.

The sculptures depict various aspects of Shiva, as well as scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.

Halebid has a walled complex containing three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a stepped well.

Keshava Temple of Somanathapur:

It is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms-Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala.

The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.

About Hoysala Architecture

The Hoysala Temples were built during the 12th and 13th centuries CE, showcasing the unique architectural and artistic brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty.

All these three Hoysala temples are protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Key Elements:

Mantapa

Vimana

Sculpture

Characteristics:

These temples are not just architectural wonders but also repositories of the cultural and historical heritage of the Hoysala dynasty.

Hoysala temples are sometimes called hybrid or vesara as their unique style seems neither completely dravida nor nagara, but somewhere in between. They are easily distinguishable from other medieval temples.

Hoysala architecture is known for its distinctive blend of Bhumija style prevalent in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.

Contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star.

They are made out of soapstone which is a relatively soft stone, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately. This can be seen particularly in the jewellery of the gods that adorn their temple walls.

Source: UNESCO & DrishtiIAS