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Belur and Halebid – The temple towns of exquisite architecture |
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The historical twin towns of Belur and Halebid have a lot to offer in terms of architecture. Exquisite craftsmanship, perfection in art and extensive detail are some of the striking features of the architecture in this town. All this is to be seen to be believed.
Take a look at what history offers at Belur and Halebid – located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. In the 16th century, Belur-Halebid was at the heart of the Hoysala Empire. The Hoysala King Vishnuvaradhan built a series of temples to commemorate his victory over the Cholas at Talakad in the year 1116. Among the temples built the Chennakeshava (Lord Krishna) temple at Belur which is the finest model of Hoysala architecture. This temple took 103 years to complete. |
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The distinct feature of the temples at Belur and Halebid is that they are made of steatite or soapstone. This is a material that could be easily worked with due to its softness, which hardens after prolonged exposure. The material used may be one of the reasons that Hoysala architecture is extremely detailed and intricate. Especially striking are the earrings that rotate on the lobes of the dancers sculpted on the temple walls. |
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Places to see |
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Channakeshava Temple
Chennakeshava Temple is famous for its sculptures and ornate friezes. The temples are inlaid with filigree work on the stone pillars. Unique to the temple are the carvings of the 'Madanikais' or celestial maidens. These are freestanding bracket figures, which are perfectly proportioned. Each sculpted figure strikes a different pose depicting probably the lifestyle of the people. There are 38 such figurines.
Part of the temple is the Navaranga Hall with huge pillars surrounding it. Each pillar is marvelously carved. Sculpted on the exterior of the temple are scenes from the epics - Ramayana and the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. Another striking feature is the frieze around the temple of 650 elephants charging. The ceiling of this temple comprises of concentric rings ornamented with figures. |
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Hoysaleshwara Temple
Another one of the temple built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan, The Carvings and sculptures are exquisite and speak volumes of the architecture of the times. |
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Archaeological Museum
Just in front of the Hoysaleshwara temple is the Archaeological Museum. The museum houses the idols, statues, busts, and sculptures excavated by the Archaeological Department. |
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Other temples
The huge walled court of the Chennakeshava Temple houses four smaller temples. To the south of this temple lies the Chennigaraya temple, which was built on the orders of the Queen Santaladevi. The layout is very similar to the Channekeshya temple. The other temples are the Soumyanayaki temple, the Andal temple and the Veeranarayana temple. |
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How to Reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest airport is in Bangalore. Mangalore is also a convenient place to alight and proceed to Belur and Halebid. |
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By Rail |
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The nearest station is at Hassan (38 km from Belur). |
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By Road |
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Halebid is about 16 kms from Belur.
Belur is 38kms from Hassan and it is 222 kms from Bangalore
Hospet is 330 kms,
Mangalore is 154 kms from Belur
Mysore is 149 kms to Belur |
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DYK |
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No two pillars in the Channakeshava temple are alike. |
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The sculptors of the Hoysala period have left a small blank space on the revolving Narasimha pillar, in the Channakeshava temple. It is believed that it was deliberately left unfilled as a challenge to future sculptors to fill it. But the space remains blank till today. |
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