Belur & Halebidu: The Twin Marvels Of The Hoysala Dynasty
Being the magnificent twin marvels of the Hoysala dynasty, Belur and Halebidu epitomise the exquisite craftsmanship and royal beauty of South Indian architecture. Situated approximately 220 km from Bangalore, Belur and Halebidu are two small temple towns nestled on River Yagachi banks in the Hassan district of Karnataka.
In addition, the presence of several glorious temples, magnificent monuments, and divine shrines makes Belur and Halebidu popular tourist and pilgrimage spots in South India. So if you are an avid art buff or love knowing more ancient cultures and heritage, these temple towns are a haven you can explore by booking a chauffeur-driven Bangalore or Mangalore car rental, given their equal proximity to both these South Indian cities.
The architectural grandeur of the twin marvels of the Hoysala dynasty
The twin temple towns of Belur and Halebidu present an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient temple architecture prevalent during the 16th century.
Constructed during the rule of the Hoysala dynasty, the temples in these twin towns hold Chalukyan-style temple architecture with exquisite and ornate designs, wall sculptures, carved pillars, and more. The structural design of the temples situated in Belur and Halebidu reflects the intricate ivory and sandalwood handwork similar to the famous Khajuraho temples.
Glorious temples you can explore in Belur and Halebidu
With a wide range of ancient temples and shrines, Belur and Halebidu are not only spectacular but justify the true essence of Incredible India. Here are some magnificent temples you can explore in these twin marvels of the Hoysala dynasty.
1. ChennaKesava Temple, Belur
Devoted to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Vijayanarayana, this marvelous temple was constructed by King Vishnuvardhana to celebrate the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas in the Talakkad Battle. This Belur Chennakeshava temple holds splendid carvings depicting scenes from epic tales like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and the Upanishads, attracting countless tourists here.
2. Kedareswara Temple, Belur
It is yet another famous temple located in Belur, devoted to Lord Shiva. The Kedareswara Temple architecture, constructed with black stones, boasts a Chalukyan style built in 1319 AD. Also, inside this majestic temple, there is a basement that features sculptural friezes portraying the story of ancient mythology and vibrant cultural heritage.
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3. Belavadi Temple, Belur
Situated 27 km away from Belur, Belavadi Temple is a well-known pilgrimage site for devotees. This temple, constructed in the 13th century in the Hoslaya style architecture with intricate wall carvings, sits amidst dense green surroundings and a shimmering water body. According to the famous mythological tales, this temple is where Bheema killed Bakasura to guard the villagers against the demon.
4. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
The famous Hoysaleswara Temple, situated west of Dwarasamudra Halebid Lake, is devoted to Lord Shiva. Constructed in the 12th century, Hoysaleswara is one of the most well-known temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India.
This Hoysaleswara temple, designed by the renowned artist Shilpkar Kedoraja, features captivating wall sculptures portraying tales of different deities and Hoysala warriors. The temple holds two shrines – one devoted to Hoysaleswara and another to Shantala Devi (the queen of the Hoysala dynasty and wife of King Vishnuvardhana).
Belur and Halebidu are excellent travel destinations for tourists who crave a vacation beyond beaches and mountains. The ancient temples and holy shrines of these twin marvels of the Hoysala dynasty will take you back several centuries, thus enriching the spirit of your holiday. So, pack your bags, and book a Bangalore car rental with a local driver to these twin towns beaming with culture and heritage.