A Deep Dive Into the History of Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara Temple is a Hindu temple in Hoysaleswara, India, and The Hoysaleswara Temple is one of South India’s greatest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. In 1121 CE, the construction of this magnificent shrine was completed. Hoysaleshwara Temple is located in Halebidu and is easily accessible from Karnataka’s Belur (16 km), Hassan (31 km), and Mysore (149 km). Besides these locations, Halebidu is accessible by regular buses and hired taxis from practically every city and town in Karnataka. Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara, the governing king at the time, is thought to have given the temple its name.

History of Hoysaleswara Temple

The construction of the Temple, on the other hand, was initiated and funded by Halebidu’s wealthier Shaiva citizens (namely Ketamalla and Kesarasetti). During construction, Hoysaleswara Temple and Chennakesava Temple in Belur competed fiercely. In the early 14th century, Muslim invaders ransacked Hoysaleswara Temple and raided it for loot. The Temple was reduced to ruins following the terrifying tragedy and fell into disrepair. 

There are two shrines at Hoysaleswara Temple, one dedicated to Hoysaleswara and the other to Shantaleswara (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana). The temple is composed of Chloritic Schist and stands on a high platform (Soapstone, also known as potstone). Both shrines face east and are adjacent to one another. The Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva), the global symbol of Lord Shiva, is housed in the shrine.

In addition to the other shrines, one is devoted to Lord Surya. The 7-foot tall artwork depicts the Sun God. Huge images of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s servant, adorn the halls. The Hoysaleswara Temple is a relic from a bygone period. The temple’s magnificent grandeur has been hailed as the pinnacle of Hindu architecture.

Architectural History and Details

This temple’s unique structure has been hailed as a great example of Hindu architectural style. Its architecture is frequently referred to as India’s “ultimate finale.” Many projections and recesses in the walls make the construction appear complex from the outside; nonetheless, the interiors appear simple. The temple’s external walls are adorned with a stunning array of stone carvings.

Hoysaleswara Temple is noted for its wall sculptures, which are etched on the exterior wall from the beginning. The series begins with a dancing Ganesha on the south entrance’s left side and concludes with a different picture of Ganesha on the north entrance’s right side. There are at least 240 photos in the entire collection. The most intricate sculptures can be seen in the beams that span two of the entryways, one on the southern and the other on the eastern.

The temple’s interiors are extremely basic, except for the lathe-worked pillars that appear in rows flanking the north and south portals. The four pillars in the centre of each shrine are the most ornate, with madanika statues in their brackets. The huge temple has four porches that serve as entrances. Only one porch, usually on the north side, is left open for entry.

The ‘Sunakasi’ superstructure on the shrines, which used to be a row of decorated miniature roofs on top of the hall’s attics, has gone missing. Even the shrines’ towers have vanished. The temple was built at a height that allowed enough horizontal and vertical room for large and tiny sculptures to be shown.

The Garuda Stambha (Pillar) of Hoysaleswara Temple is an eye-catching edifice. Garudas were known to be the kings and queens’ chosen bodyguards. They used to reside and move among the Royalty to protect their lord. They committed suicide after their master died. The pillar on the southern side depicts heroes flanking knives and cutting their heads off. Kuruva Lakshma is remembered in the inscription on the pillar (bodyguard of Veera Ballala II).

Historical Significance

The Hoysaleswara temple is known for multiple aspects, including the abundance of pictures of Lord Ganesh gracing the outer walls in various positions. There are 240 images in total, beginning with a dancing Lord Ganesh on the south gate and finishing with another depiction of the Elephant God on the north door. There is also an 8-foot-tall Ganesh sculpture on a pedestal at the South entrance.

The Temple’s ceiling is adorned with miniature roofs and attics that are in disrepair but reflect the Temple’s magnificence. Every temple sculpture is beautifully defined and obvious, which tells volumes about the architects who created this wonderful monument.

Within the temple’s grounds is a museum that houses a rich trove of discovered sculptures, wooden handicrafts, photographs, maps, and other relics. It’s a virtual pleasure for visitors who can take their time wandering around the grounds and learning about the complex’s history.

Conclusion

The temple is thought to have been constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhan. Affluent Shaiva citizens donated to the structure’s development to compete with Belur’s Chennakesava Temple. The temple is famous for its luxury, grandeur, and architectural style. In the early 14th century, hostile Muslim invaders ravaged and robbed the city, reducing it to ruins. As a result, the city was given ‘Halebidu,’ which means wrecked city. The Hoysaleswara temple is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can marvel at the magnificence of old Indian architecture and the absolute perfection of craftsmanship. Because the deities no longer worship, no Pujas, rituals, or festivities are held within its confines.