India : Karnataka : Belur : What to see and Excursions - 3

Guys, it is an interesting tale of how the Hoysala Dynasty got the name. It is said that 'holy Sala', meaning 'strike Sala!' were the words called out to Sala, the legendary head of this dynasty. He was involved in armed combat with a tiger. Sala immortalised himself and the tiger by single-handedly killing the beast. This tale of heroism inspired the royal emblem of the Hoysala Dynasty, also to be found in the temple carvings. Hoysala architecture has its roots in today's Chikamagalur District in Karnataka. The ancient artists developed a new style of temple architecture and conceived their shrines as star shaped structures (Vesara style) as opposed to the usual cubical form, set upon raised platforms. The Hoysalas built for their age but also for the ages to come. In their 300 years of rule, the entire area was so saturated with religious establishments that it restricted the succeeding dynasties from building more. The temples at Belur and Halebid are the cream of what remains of the Hoysala Dynasty. The most photographed and perhaps the best there ever were, they are a must on every tourist's itinerary.

BELUR :

Belur was once the capital of a powerful empire, the Hoysala Kings, on the banks of River yagachi, its now called teh Banaras of the South, aka Dakshina Varanasi.

Chennakeshava Temple :

It is Belur's main temple, Chennakeshava is dedicated to Lord Krishna and set in a compound with several smaller temples and a pond. It was commissioned by Kind Vishuvardhana in 1117 AD to celebrate hoysala military victories, it took over a hundred years to complete and its architecture is foreign to the prevailing Hoysala style of the 12th century. It is exceptionally large (about 100-ft high) and it features rich embellishments with a magnificent gateway tower gopuram - in Dravidian style.

It is delicate in tis fillgree work, with the added attraction of bracketed figures of celestial dancers, called Madanikas (and exclusive to Belur) and an innumerable variety of intricate pillars. Contrary to Indian tradition, these Hoysala sculptors signed their work at this temple.

At the entrance, facing the temple stands the winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu's carrier. On the frieze, around the walls outside are 650 charging elephants all different from each other. In front of the shrine, there is a beautiful statue of Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana.

Hoysala Architecture :

Art and music were regarded highly by the Hoysalas. The most marvelous specimens of Hoysala architecture, found exclusively at Belur, are the angeled bracket figures depicting celestial nymphs. The beautiful and expressive nymphs are depicted singing, dancing or executing daily chores. They are adorned with a wealth of detail in their make up, jewellery and coiffures. From the study of the sculptures it is observed that during the Hoysalas region, female participation in the public affairs was very prominent.

The Hoysalas first converted to Jainsim and then to Hinduism. Its clearly depicted in their temples where one can see the images of Jain, Shaivite and Vaishnavite.

Veeranarayana Temple :

This temple is situated to the west of the Chennakesava Temple. It has numerous finely carved figures of various Hindu Gods.

Channigaraya Temple :

In the huge walled court at Belur, this temple also contains splendid pieces of sculpture.

In the same premises there are Soumyanayaki Temple and andal Temple. The most striking features of the Hoysala shrines, is the high pilnthed, star-shaped platform, on which the temples have been built.