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Hoysala
The Hoysala temples at Halebid (Halebeed, Halebidu) and Belur, along with one at Somnathpur east of Mysore, are the cream of one of the most artistically exuberant periods of Hindu cultural development. Their sculptural decoration rivals that of Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) and Konark (Orissa), or the best of European Gothic art. Construction of the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid began around 1121. Despite more than 80 years of labour, it was never completed. Nevertheless, it is easily the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. Every cm of the outside walls and much of the interior is covered with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylised animals and birds, and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala rulers.
The temple is set in well-tended garden, and there's a small museum adjacent to it housing a collection of sculptures. The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset. |