Monday, March 4, 2013

Halebid, the Ruined City

Historic place Halebidu is a small village 216 kms from Bangalore. Nearest town to this place is at at distance of 28 kms is Hassan. This place was known by the name of Dwarasamudra in the 12th century, meaning "Entrance from Ocean". During 12th century it was the capital of Hoysala Kingdom.



As the city was ruined by twice by Bahmani Sultanate, the name literally translates to "the Ruined City". The place is best known for the architecture and ornate temples built by them. Other interesting historic place with architectural marvel close by is Belur.



The temple complex here comprises two Hindu temples, two huge Nandis and two Jain Basadis. The sculptural extravaganza at its peak here.




The places of interest here are:

41 comments:

Cloudia said...

Wonders!
Thank you
Aloha

krishna said...

fabulous!!!

Aarti said...

Love this place, the architecture and the location..

Have you visited the jain basti's down the road? the Hulikere?

My Unfinished Life said...

love the first pic where a tourist is posing like nataraja :)

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

rupam sarma said...

Great post and beautiful photos.

Anita said...

Ohh very nice!!this is history!!!

R Niranjan Das said...

Lovely post!

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/03/the-photographer-and-his-model.html

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

looks great :)

Anonymous said...

another great photography post of your India ~ and love the previous post with the ducks ~ beautiful ^_^

BunnyKissd said...

Beautiful! Such a contrast from the very European-styled statues you shared on the 18th....

Treat and Trick said...

Thanks for sharing such a fabulous place! Lovely photos...

Lowell said...

Those sculptures are so interesting...I didn't know the human body could get contorted to such positions! :)

This must be close to the ocean, right?

George said...

These ruins are very impressive. The carvings are exquisite.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Rajesh! I can't believe this is called a 'ruined city'...it is so beautiful and, as so often, such wonderful intricate carvings. Just in awe as often when I visit you.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

The temples certainly are ornate as is the case in much of India. A country with such a rich and long cultural heritage too.

Sylvia K said...

Amazing carvings! What a fascinating place and your captures are terrific as always, Rajesh! Hope you have a great week!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful details and history.

Anna said...

Awesome details, Rajesh!
Warm greetings from Holland,
Anna :))

LifeRamblings said...

lovely architecture. the carvings are exquisite.

Gattina said...

What an interesting place !

Leovi said...

Yes, excellent, I'd like to visit this amazing place, wonderful photos.

Dana said...

Very lovely! These are wonderful captures. :)

Mary said...

Rajesh, I am always in awe of the sheer beauty of India! This is such an amazing treasure. Thank you so much for contributing to Thursday's Inspiration! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

anthonynorth said...

And beauty still shines through the ruin.

Fun60 said...

Amazing architecture.

A Colorful World said...

It's very beautiful. I particularly love the first shot of the architecture.

Jeevan said...

This is quite fascinating with marvelous sculptures! The nandi remind me the Tanjavur Big Temple... and of course the complex indeed.

Roger Owen Green said...

beautiful ruins

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Reader Wil said...

Another excellent photo of a splendid building even if it is called"Ruined City".Thank you!
Wil, ABCW Team.

Ramakant Pradhan said...

I loved the exquisite sculpture at the place. But was sorry to see mush of them in ruins. Lovely pictures.

Anonymous said...

Wondrous history and wonderful photos for H ^_^

Al said...

Incredible architecture and carvings.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful captures, Rajesh!

Meoww said...

Oh. Such a lovely place, Halebid. Wonderful carvings. The first shot is just too good.

Indrani said...

Great shots Rajesh.

beatrice De said...

Unluckely i don'ntknow this part of India, even if I have been 4 times there.
Namascar.

Panchali said...

Majestic structures!!

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for the appreciation. The city name translates to "Ruined City" as it was ransacked twice in the history. Most of the sculptures in the temple are still intact.

Joy said...

Wonderful sculptures, the name 'ruined city' reminds me of all those cities of antiquity that are no longer used and of all the feet that have walked these temples in the past.

Arti said...

Wow. Such grand Nandi and amazing details!