The ancient temples of India have inscriptions on them which throw light on the history of that period.
At Ramlingeshwar Temple complex in Avani has several shrines of 10th Century A.D. and one can find some inscriptions in Kannada of that period.
At Shravanabelagola on the Indragiri hill inside the Siddhara Basadi there are two pillars with inscriptions on them. The tops are in the form of beautiful towers. The inscriptions are the epitaphs of two Jaina teachers named Panditarya, who died in 1398 and Srutamuni, who died in 1432 A.D.
We can see inscriptions in the old Kannada on one of the pillar at the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid.
The Jain Temple complex in Halebid as three Jain Basadi's. Among them Parshwanatha Basadi facing the entrance of the Compound is the largest Basadi. This was completed in 1113 AD in the memory of Ganga Raja, the commander of Vishnuvardhana Raya by his son Boppadeva. This Basadi looks simple externally, but the interiors is a contrast to the outside.
This Basadi built using soapstone consists of a garbhagriha, a sukhanasi, a navaranga and a detached mukhamandapa. The pillars of the mukhamandapa even though they are not polished they are beautifully ornate.
The square garbhagriha and the walls of the navaranga are plain but decorated with pilasters at intervals. In the navaranga the 12 black pillars that support the dome have been shaped attractively and thoroughly polished.
The lathing of these pillars has been done very well and all the images on each of the pillars are very different from each another.
The image of Parshwanatha in the sanctum is an example of beautiful workmanship of that period. This 18 ft. tall sculpture with a seven hooded serpent over his head represents a perfect yogi or with a benign and sympathetic smile on his lips.
There is a attractive sculpture of Bhuvaneshwari in the underside sealing.
The Jain Temples of Halebid are the gems of 12th century. There are three Jain temples all constructed that are constructed inside the single complex by queen Shantaladevi.
The attractive mantapa at the entrance to these temples is a glimpse of the rich architectural beauty of the bygone era of Hoysala period. The three temples are:
These temples are just a stones throw away from the famous Hoysaleswara Temple.
A glimpse of India in black and white. Other posts provide more details on the place.
A glimpse of India in black and white. Other posts provide more details on the place.
This is twenty-eight in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The ancient temples have beautiful carvings on them that are treat to the eyes.
A sculpture of Salabhanjika in the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid. She is setting her ear rings by looking into the mirror in another hand.
A sculpture of Yakshi in the 15th century Vittala Temple at Hampi.
A sculpture of Brahma on the external wall of 12th century Chennakesava Temple of Belur.
Another beautiful sculpture on the external wall of Rajarani Temple at Bhubaneshwar.
This is twenty-seventh in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The ancient temples have numerous carvings carved both on the interior as well as exterior of the temples. Many of the carvings depict the war scenes as scripted in various epics and mythology.
Above is the scene "battle between Ravana and Lord Rama" from the epic Ramayana carved at the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid.
A pillar of Ramlingeshwar Temple at Avani where 3 different battle ready horse riders are carved with very minute differences.
A band of battle scene on the external wall of Mallikarjuna Temple, Basaralu.
The band with slight different color is from the Parashurameshvara Temple at Bhubaneshwar.
Kedareshwara Temple at Halebid is just about 500 m away from the famous Hoysaleshwara Temple. As per inscriptions in this Hoysala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva it is constructed by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II and his queen Ketaladevi.
This magnificent temple is built using soap stone around 1219 A.D stands on a 16 corner platform that is five to six feet in height. The layout of the main shrine is star shaped with two smaller shrines that have perforated windows on the sides.
The temple has eight equally sized strips of sculptures all around it on the external wall. From the bottom the first row has elephants, second row has Cavalry forces, the third and fifth row is decorated with beautiful creepers and flowers.
The fourth row has series of lions ans this is also a mascot of Hoysala dynasty. The sixth row has various scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Bhagavatha. The seventh row consists of Makara and eight rows consist of swans.
All around the temple there are sculptures of Gods and Goddesses, shown under ornamented and intricately carved canopies.
This is twenty-fifth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The ancient temples are richly carved and each of the carvings surpass each other in their mastery. One of the prominent carvings are the war scenes from various epics.
Above is the two warriors fighting in a battle carved at the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid. At the same temple there is a intricate rock carving showing, Abhimanyu entering the Chakra vyuha as seen below.
The epic Mahabarath depicts the battle between Karavas and Pandavas. In this battle Abhimanyu, son of Arjun penetrates the Chakravyūha a special formation. As he had no knowledge of how to come out of it, he was trapped upon entry and fought alone. Once he penetrated the sixth tier of the formation, all the Kauravas commanders attacked him simultaneously and killed him.
A band of battle scene on the external wall of Mallikarjuna Temple, Basaralu.
In the below the top image is that of band of various battle scenes from Lakshminarayana Temple at Hosaholalu.
The Jalakanteshwar Temple in Vellore Fort at Vellore has beautiful Kalayana Mandapam. The pillars here have beautiful carvings of warriors on the horse. The 10th century Ranganathswamy Temple at Srirangam also has beautiful sculptures of warriors on the horse. One of the Hero Stone at A.S.I Museum in Shimoga created in memory of brave warrior who lost his life in the battle field.
The 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple complex at Halebid has the main shrine Hoysaleswara Temple and two Bull Mantapas. Among the two Bull Mantapas the one on the South has a shrine behind it dedicated to Sun God.
This shrine is very small and has beautifully ornamented walls. The shrine contains a beautiful image of Surya, the Sun-god. On each side of deity is a consort shooting an arrow.
The walls of the temple has beautifully carved sculptures of various deities. In these sculptures every minute detail is carved with utmost care.
This is nineteenth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple of Halebid is known for their exquisite Hoysala architecture.
On the external walls of the temple there is a beautiful sculpture of lady dressing her hair. This temple has intricate sculptures and friezes. Each of these sculptures are very different from each other. The craftsmanship is is very detailed and beautiful.
The 9th century Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar is one of the earliest temples of the city. There are beautiful sculptures on the external walls of the temple.
In this temple there is a beautiful sculpture of a dancer with musicians playing instruments around her.
In the same temple there are many more beautiful sculptures. One of such intricate sculpture is that of Somavasi King in his Royal courtroom with his pupil.
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This is eighteenth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of temples in India. The ancient temples are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship. Most of these temples have carvings of Lord Ganesh in various forms. Each of these sculptures are marvel stone in their own right.
Here is the huge sculpture of Lord Ganesh within the complex of the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid in Karnataka. The crown is a true masterpiece.
Above carving is on the pillar inside the 8th century Hazar Ram Temple of World Heritage Site Hampi in Karnataka.
First one is on the external walls of Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram. Second one is 12th century sculpture of Lord Ganesha at ASI Museum, Shimoga. Third one is at the Brihadeeshwarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram.
There are many more such beautiful carvings, we will explore some other time.
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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.
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:
