Monday, September 30, 2013

Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu

Hosaholalu is a small village just 2 kms away from KR Pet in Mandya district. By road, this place is 50 kms from Mysore and 160 kms from Bangalore.



Lakshminarayana Temple here is one of the finest example of Hoysala architecture. This temple at a later stage has additions from Vijaynagar style of temple building. Though the date of construction is unknown, historians believe this temple to be built in the middle of 13th century, taking into consideration the style of architecture. 



It is a Trikootachala or a three shrined temple built on a star-shaped, raised platform using soapstone. On the platform the temple has a pillared hall in the center and the three shrines around it. 



The main shrine containing the idol of Lakshminarayana is the only one that has a tower. The tower on the central sanctum  is a five-stepped tower that is intricately carved.



The base of the temple has the six layers of decorative bands that comprise of swans, elephants, horse riders, leafy scrolls, various gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharatha.



The mid section of the temple is richly decorated with sculptures of various Gods, There are totally 120 sculptural images and being a Lord Vishnu temple there are 32 images of him in various forms.  


Apart from this there are also dancing Saraswathi, Brahma, Ganapathi, dancers, musicians and many other deities. I could not see the beautifully carved interiors as I was not open when I visited there.

41 comments:

genie said...

Rajesh...Each time I look at one of these amazing temples, I have to wonder how many thousands of workers it took over how many years to complete the structure. I would think that different generations of the same families would have worked on these. These are just amazing. genie

eileeninmd said...

So much history and lovely temples in your country. Beautiful photos!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

;) I would never attempt trying to pronounce the name of this splendid looking temple. Wow what intricate detailing~

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

It boggles the mind to see such intricate carvings that are so old. Today, such things would be computer generated. The details are stunning, thanks for sharing the temple.

Al said...

This temple is incredible - the amount of detailed stonework. I can't imagine the time and craftsmanship that went into this.

My Little Home and Garden said...

The intricate detail in the structures is amazing.

Shane Pollard said...

That's incredible Rajesh!
How a temple as intricate as this one could be built in the 13th century without modern technology.
You are very lucky with all that history on your doorstep.
A lovely post. Hugs
Shane

krishna said...

very precise and beautiful description... very nice photographs..

Teamgsquare said...

This is one really beautiful temple. Super love it. Wonderful pictures.

Our photos said...

Beautiful temple photos!
Greetings, RW & SK

rupam sarma said...

Awesome photographs. Thanks for your post.

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Beautiful. Resembles Hoysala architecture. Shall visit once. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Nice Temple. It's so artistic.

Jeevan said...

The architecture and carvings are quite a treat of art! Amazing photos and detail on the temple

R Niranjan Das said...

Another wonderful Hoysala creation. Thanks for sharing this.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/09/masinagudi-amidst-wilderness.html

Betty Manousos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sylvia K said...

An absolutely amazing and breathtaking temple! The detail is incredible! Terrific captures, Rajesh!! Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photography and incredible and creative work on this temple ~ carol ^_^

Wonder how many temples are in India????

Ruth Kelly said...

Your temple is so intricate - astonishing really!

Photo Cache said...

i must read up on hoysala architecture because i'm really enamored by this temple.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So beautiful....so intricate...is there any record of the artists who made these amazing carvings?

Fun60 said...

Historians must be able to gather so much information from these carvings. They are so detailed and intricate.

Pat Tillett said...

The level of detail is amazing!
Your photos help bring out that detail. Very good!

Anonymous said...

How very gorgeous!

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

All pictures are very beautiful...

Leovi said...

Very nice pictures of the great temple ...!!

MaR said...

Fascinating architecture!

L is for...

Roger Owen Green said...

These structures are always LOVELY.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Reader Wil said...

This building is the most beautiful building I have seen this week. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Wil, ABCW Team

lotusleaf said...

Very beautiful!

ChrisJ said...

Brilliant photography!

Unknown said...

Such intricate and delicate carvings to be so well preserved on this ancient building.

Suzanne said...

Just stunning, once again!

My Unfinished Life said...

wow!! such intricate sculpture work & architecture!!

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

Louisette said...

Great hitorical place, wonderfull old work

Anonymous said...

simply amazing the handicraft!

Anonymous said...

Rajesh, every time I visit your blog, my resolve is strengthened to one day visit India. This architecture is beyond beautiful and intricate - it is a testament to spiritual strength.

Thanks as always for sharing your beloved India with us. Peace, Amy

Anonymous said...

As usual excellent photographs with descriptions.

Tomichan Matheikal said...

Fabulous architecture.

Anonymous said...

there were so many beautiful temples during hoysla dynasty and some listed as unesco heritage ... have been to chennakeseva temple at belur , it too was an architectural marvel like this one.... magnificent and stunning ....

Deepa Gopal said...

Excellent craftsmanship!!! Love such places...thanks for the tour :)