Halebid - The Forgotten Jewels !

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Karnataka, the land of one of the most Kings of India – Tipu Sultan, is a land filled with stories of bravery and heroic deeds. Valour and grandeur are the twin roses of the land. Here in this beautiful land lie the beautiful temples of Halebid. Also known as the Holyasar Temples, these are one of the most beautiful temples in entire Karnataka.

Halebid was once the Capital of Hoysala Dynasty located 32 kms northwest of Hassan. Once known as Dora Samudra, it was renamed as Hale – bidu or the dead city when Delhi Sultanate forces of Ala-ud-din-khalji swept through and reduced it to rubble. Despite this, the two main temples of the city – Hoysaleshvara and Kedareshvara are in superb in form, art, design and architecture. It is for these temples that the beautiful city of Halebid is still known.

It is not known which dieties were originally worshipped, though the double shrine inside the temple are supposed to be devoted to Lord Shiva. Both the shrines contain shivlinga and are adjoined by his consorts. There are mandapas in which stand the Nandi Bulls.Holysaleshvara also features many Vaishnavite images. The sculptures, which have a fluid quality, include Lord Brahma, Krishna and Vishnu. One of the most remarkable images is that of demon King Ravana shaking Lord Shivas mountain adobe, Mountain Kailash, populated by animals and figured with Shiva and Parvati seated atop.

From a distance it looks as if a star has been made, as there were so made that the entire temple give a shape of the star. The intricacy of the carving in the Temples are attributed to the material used in these temples. The material used here is the soft steatitle soapstone which on oxidation hardens into a glassy, highly polished surface. The level of details can be compared to that of sandalwood and ivory work, is freer in hand and more fluid in style. Another technique used is that associated with wood. The pillars, lathe turned, look more fluid than others..

The temples of Halebid are worth a visit, which to this date stand apart from others. Proposed for UNESCO HERITAGE SITES OF INDIA, these are one of the jewels of India.


Comments

Raghav said…
I like the picture.... and i always like you writing style ....
good work....
June 12, 2008 at 12:21 AM
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