Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu

Shrine’s History

According to art critic and historian S. Settar, from contemporary inscriptions it is known that the temple derives its name from the Hoysala ruler at that time, King Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara, though interestingly, the construction of the temple was initiated and financed by wealthy Shaiva citizens of the city, prominent among who were Ketamala and Kesarasetti. The temple building activity was taken up in competition to the construction of the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, a Vaishnava temple. Surrounded by numerous tanks, ponds and mantapas, the temple is built in the vicinity of the large Dorasamudhra lake. The tank preceded the temple by nearly 75 years. It is one of the largest temples dedicated to the god Shiva in South India.

Architectural Relevance of This Shrine

The Hoysaleswara temple is most well known for its sculptures that run all along the outer wall, starting with a dancing image of the god Ganesha on the left side of the south entrance and ending with another image of Ganesha on the right-hand side of the north entrance. In all, there are two hundred and forty such images. According to the art critic Gerard Foekema, perhaps no other Hoysala temple is as articulate in sculpture as this is and these sculptures are “second to none in all of India”.The most intricate of all sculptures are found in the lintels over two of the doorways, one on the south side doorway and the other on one of the eastern doorways.

Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There

By Road

One can easily reach Hoysaleswara Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Karnataka

By RailThe nearest railway station is Arsikere Railway Station which is 30 km away from Hoysaleswara Temple.
By Air

The nearest airport is Mangalore airport ,Kemmannugundi which is 45 km away from Hoysaleswara Temple .

Shrine Timings

6:00AM to 9:30PM

Events Celebrated at This Shrine

Shivratri