Hoysala Temple

The cluster of temples built by the Hoysalas in southern India between the 11th and 14th centuries are known as the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala. The cluster consists of three main Hoysala temples which are Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple in Somanathapura. The temples are a blend of Nagara, Dravidian and Bhumija architecture. They are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The major characteristics of the temples are stellate plan (star -shaped plan), intricate carvings, lathe turned pillars, decorated ceilings and doors and sculptures depicting many forms of Hindu deities and mythological stories. Recently, in 2023 these temples made it to UNESCO’s World Heritage sites List, under the collective entry of ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas’.

The Hoysala temples are a remarkable architectural legacy of the Hoysala Empire, which flourished in southern India between the 10th and 14th centuries. The dynasty's name, "Hoysala," is derived from the words "hoy" (strike) and "sala" (its founder King Sala), reflecting their warrior ancestry. The Hoysala rulers were great patrons of the arts and commissioned the construction of numerous temples across their empire. The construction of Hoysala temples spanned several centuries, with most temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Some of the most famous temples, such as the Chennakesava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, were constructed during this period.

The Hoysala temples are a remarkable architectural legacy of the Hoysala Empire scattered in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Among the most renowned Hoysala temples are the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple in Somanathapura built during 12th and 13th century.

• Origin : The Hoysalas originated as feudatories of the Western Ganga dynasty. They gradually asserted their independence from their overlords, the Western Gangas and the Chalukyas, and emerged as a formidable regional power in southern India. They ruled the present-day Karnataka region during 11th to 13th centuries. King Sala established the dynasty's initial power base.
• Expansion: Through strategic alliances, military conquests, and maintaining diplomatic relations, Hoysala expanded their rule and territory in the region. Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana expanded the empire and established the Hoysala capital at Dwarasamudra (modern-day Halebidu).
• Conflicts : During their expansion, Hoysala kings were in conflict with many neighbouring dynasties including the Chalukyas, the Cholas, and the Yadavas.
• Religious patronage: The Hoysala rulers were Hindu devouts. They were particularly devoted to the worship of Vishnu and Shiva. The Hoysala architecture also has religious intricate carvings. The Hoysala kings were tolerant to other religions. King Vishnuvardhana was a Jain initially but later under the influence of Saint Ramanuja, he converted to Vaishnavism.
• Art and architecture : Hoysalas were the patrons of art and architecture. They commissioned the construction of magnificent temples, intricate sculptures, and ornate monuments, which exemplify the zenith of Hoysala art and architecture.
• Decline : Due to internal conflicts, succession disputes, and external invasions, Hoysala empire started to decline during the 13th century. The dynasty faced incursions from the Delhi Sultanate and the emerging Vijayanagara Empire, leading to the gradual erosion of its power and influence in the region. Eventually in the 14th century Vijayanagara forces defeated Hoysalas, marking the end of their rule.

The cluster of temples built by the Hoysalas in southern India between the 11th and 14th centuries are known as the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala. The cluster consists of three main Hoysala temples which are :

1. Chennakesava Temple Complex in Belur :
   • It is one of the most famous Hoysala temples dedicated to Chennakesava (handsome Kesava), a form of Lord Vishnu.
   • It was constructed by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana during the 12th century after victory against the Cholas.
   • It is a star-shaped temple with ornate ceilings, lathe-turned pillars.
   • The temple complex also includes a large mandapa (hall)known as Ranga Mantapa, an antarala (vestibule), and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) housing the deity.
   • The outer walls of the temple have intricate carvings depicting episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.
   • There is a large stepped tank adjacent to the temple known as Kalyani which serves as a sacred water reservoir for ritual purification.
2. Hoysaleswara Temple Complex in Halebidu :
   • The temple was constructed in the 12th century under the patronage of King Vishnuvardhana and his descendants.
   • It is also a star-shaped temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
   • The sculptures in the temple complex depict various Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva in his various forms, along with scenes from Hindu mythology, epic narratives, and everyday life.
   • The temple also has a large pavilion in its front housing a monolithic Nandi (bull), the sacred mount of Lord Shiva. It is known as Nandi mantapa.
   • It also consists of three Jaina basadi and a sacred stepped well.
   • There is a Kedareshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adjacent to the Hoysaleswara temple.
3. Kesava Temple in Somanathapura
   • The Kesava temple was built under the patronage of Hoysala king Narasimha III during the 13th century.
   • It is a trikuta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with a central shrine (garbhagriha) and two smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Janardhana and Lord Venugopala.
   • The walls of the temple have sculptures depicting various Hindu deities, celestial beings, mythical creatures, and episodes from Hindu mythology.
   • The temple complex consists of a large mandapa (hall) and a navaranga (pillared hall) with sculpted panels depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.

• The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas have been included on India's tentative list for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site status in 2014.
• India submitted the nominations for these temples in January, 2022.
• In 2023, Three Hoysala-era temples in Karnataka (Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura ) made it to UNESCO’s World Heritage sites List, under the collective entry of ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas’.
• The announcement was made by UNESCO on September 18, during the World Heritage Committee’s 45th session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• These Hoysala temples marked the 42nd World Heritage Site in India.

• Star shaped ground plan : The stellate plan which is a star-shaped ground plan is a prominent characteristic of Hoysala temple architecture.
• Intricate carvings : Hoysala temples are known for their beautiful carvings with intricate details capturing expressions, postures, and emotions with remarkable precision.These carvings depict a wide range of subjects, including Hindu deities, celestial beings, mythological narratives, animals, and floral motifs.
• Lathe-turned pillars : The use of lathe-turned pillars, which are cylindrical in shape and intricately carved with decorative motifs is also one of the distinctive feature of Hoysala temple architecture.
• Ornate ceilings : There are ornate carvings on the ceilings of temples which have geometric designs, floral motifs, and celestial figures, reflecting the cosmic symbolism inherent in Hindu temple architecture.
• Religious sculptures : The main shrine (garbhagriha) of Hoysala temples houses the principal deity of the temple, typically a form of Vishnu or Shiva. The temples also have sculptures depicting many forms of Hindu deities and mythological stories.
• Decorated doors : The presence of elaborately carved doorways (toranas) is a prominent feature of Hoysala architecture. The doors are often embellished with scenes from Hindu mythology, auspicious symbols etc.

• Architectural innovation : The Hoysala temple architecture is a blend of Nagara (North Indian), Dravidian (South Indian) style and Bhumija (Central India) style of temple architecture. Hoysala temples represent a pinnacle of architectural achievement, showcasing the artistic finesse and craftsmanship.
• Distinctive art : There are many distinctive characteristics of Hoysala temples such as star-shaped ground plan, intricate-lathe turned pillars, sculptures depicting human deities reflecting the splendor of Hoysala architecture.
• Cultural Heritage : Beyond their architectural significance, the Hoysala temples hold immense cultural and religious importance. They served as centers of worship, pilgrimage, and community gatherings, reflecting the religious fervor and cultural vibrancy of medieval South India.
• Social significance : The details of the sculptures like jewellery, head gears, clothes, depiction of stories of everyday life provided details about the society of that time.
• Preservation : No known monuments other than temples, like palaces or forts, survive from the Hoysala period because the non temple buildings were all built in either mud or brick or wood and not stone.
• Tourist Attractions : The Sacred Ensemble of Hoysalas including Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura, are popular tourist destinations. After being included in the World Heritage sites, their tourism significance has increased.

The Hoysala temples stand as timeless marvels of architectural brilliance, artistic finesse, and cultural heritage. From the intricate carvings adorning their walls to the majestic structures that have withstood the test of time, these temples bear witness to the creative genius of the Hoysala dynasty. The recently provided World Heritage status to the temples will bring global recognition to these temples which will eventually enhace the tourist foot fall on the site and its effective conservation.