HALEBID
Location: 16 Kms from Belur, Karnataka
Main Attraction: Kedareeshwar Temple
Languages: Kannada, Hindi, and English
Also known as: Dwara Samudra
Located 16 kms from Belur, Halebid was known as Dwara Samudra, the wealthy capital of the Hoysalas. The great city of Dwarasamudra flourished as a Capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th & 13th centuries.
During the reign of Veeraballala II, the grandson of Vishnuvardhana, it reached the greatness of its zenith. Veeraballala II extended his empire from sea to sea between the Cauvery & Krishna Rivers. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Kedareeshwara Temple: The magnificent temple is an architectural delight where the sculptor's virtuosity seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith's skill in its sheer intricacy.
Basti Hills: One Kilometre from the Halebid temples is the Basti Hills where there are Jain Bastis with gleaming black stone pillars.
Hoysaleshwara Temple: The Hoysaleshwar temple, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scrollwork in stone.
The figure of mortals and immortals are large and are beautifully chiseled in shinning black stone. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls.
Museum: There is a museum on the lawns with 12-13th century sculptures and the gold coins in use at the time.
Jain Temples: Many Jain temples are still awaiting excavations to see the light of the day. Halebid was a centre of Jain culture and religion.
Nandi: Outside there is a sculpture of Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, and the hillock where the palace stood connected to the temple by a passage. The 800 years old statues flaunt hairstyles that can be seen even today.
All but one of the bracket figures has vanished into oblivion. On the walls, the infant Krishna frolics, battles rage, Shiva and Parvati embrace, the demon king Ravana lifts mount Kailash and Shiva dances.
Belur: 17 kms from Halebid. The place houses some of the famous temples, which are renowned for their beautiful sculptures.
Sravanbelagola: Approximately 85 kms from Halebid, the place is well known for the biggest statue of Gomateshwara. It is a very famous Jain pilgrimage.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Bangalore is the nearest airport.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Hassan.
Road: There are good motorable roads. Belur is 17 kms away. |
