Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid

Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid is one of the ancient temple of 12th century. This magnificent temple is a sculptural marvel in stone. Another prominent ancient place Belur is at a distance of 16 km from here. It was built during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire. The construction of the temple was completed in 1121 CE. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The temple consists of two different sanctums, each with its respective vestibule navaranga and bull mantapa. These two different temples are symmetrically side by side and connected by a short corridor. The sanctums are star shaped and the halls have indented square plans. These two sanctums are known as "Hoysaleswara" named after the King and "Shantaleswara" named after the Queen. 

The plan of the inside of the temple is simple but the exterior looks different because of the many projections and recesses in the walls. On its outer walls are sculptural several thousands of figures and groups showing to us the world of imagination in which sculptor of those days allowed their minds to wander. On a platform which closely follows the contour of the temple rises the basement which is one of the most elaborately carved.

It is cut up horizontally into about a dozen bands each containing a sculptured frieze. The lowest of these bands has marching of war elephants; further up is the band of charging horsemen. Most interesting of all of them is friezes illustrating episodes from Hindu mythology Mahabharath and Ramayan.

The temple is known for its sculptures that run all along the outer wall, starting with an 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.

Opposite to each sanctum outside the hall on the east is a pavilion with a bull and to further east of the south pavilion stands a shrine for Sun-god.