“The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala”, The Hoysala Temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathpur in Karnataka have been added to UNESCO World Heritage list.
News Jungal Desk: This is 42nd inclusion of World Heritage Site in India.
All three Hoysala Temples are protected Monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI).
Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:
It was built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD.
Belur is situated on the banks of Yagachi River.
It was the capital of Hoysala Empire.
It is a star shaped temple , dedicated ti Lord Vishnu.
Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid:
It is the largest Shiva Temple built by the Hoysalas.
It depicts various aspects of Shiva
It also depicts various scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavat Purana.
Halebid has a walled complex containing three Jaina basadi temples of the Hoysala period and also a stepped well.
Keshava Temple of Somanathpur:
This Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms
Janardhana
Keshava
Venugopala.
The main Keshava idol is missing and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.
These temples were built during 12th and 13th centuries CE represebting the brilliant architechtural and artistic styles of the Hoysala Dynasty.
These are also repositories of cultural and historical heritage of Hoysala Dynasty.
Hoysala Architecture:
These temples are unique blend of Bhumija style prevalent in central India, the Nagara tradition od Northern and Western India and the Karnataka Dravida modes favoured by Kalyani Chalukyas.
It contain multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and is laid out in the shape of an intricately designed star.
These temples are made of soapstone, intricate sculpture can be seen in the jewellery of the Gods, depicted at the temple walls.
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