Hoysala architecture

HOYSALA ARCHITECTURE

CHENNAKESAVA temple at BELUR.

HOYSALESWARA temple at HALIBEDU

1. HOYSALA ARCHITECTURE CHENNAKESAVA temple at BELUR . HOYSALESWARA temple at HALIBEDU

2. Hoysala architecture is the building style followed under the rule of HOYSALA EMPIRE. This architecture was followed in the period of 11-14 th century and this architecture dominated during the 13 th century. Many large and small temples were during this style of Architecture. HISTORY OF HOYSALA ARCHITECTURE

3. The rulers were from Malnad , Karnataka.An elevated region of western ghats . The Hoysala empire was prominent from Southern indian Kannadiga empire. The Hoysala era wan important period in the development of art in the kingdom. The capital of hoysala empire was first at belur and later it was moved to halebidu . The exact period of hoysala empire was from 1026-1343. This empire is popularly known for its Temple Architecture. The emperors encouraged the fine arts and literature in Sanskrit and kannada .

4. Chennakesava temple is originally known as Vijayanarayana temple. It was built on the banks of river Yagachi in Belur . It was built under the king Vishnuvardana .(1117AD) Chennakesava literally means Handsome god. The main entrance Royagopura was built during the vijayanagar empire. There were almost three shrines in the same temple complex. The chennakesava shrine at the centre. The kappe channigraya temple to its right. A small somyanayagi temple at its left. Hoysala architecture at Belur ( chennakesava temple)

5. There are two sthambhas exist here.One is Garuda sthambha and another one is deepa sthambha . Though this is the first great temple under hoysala architecture.they followed the style of western chaulkyan . The material used to construct the temple is chloritic schist. Chloritic schist is known as soapstone. Shrine is at the back of the mandappa . Around every shrine there was a 10.5m gap. Hoysala architecture at Belur ( chennakesava temple)

6. Hoysala architecture at Belur ( chennakesava temple)

7. Pillars in the hall are the main attraction and in tha narasimha pillar was the central attraction. Hoysala architecture at Belur ( chennakesava temple)

8. Hoysala architecture at Belur ( chennakesava temple)

9. Location: Halebid , Karnataka Built in: 12th century Dedicated to: Lord Shiva Attraction: Exquisite architecture Significance: One of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in South India Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

10. Hoysaleswara Temple – History The Shiva and Parvathi temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana . It was the Shaivas who contributed money and wealth for building this beautiful temple . During this time, the Chennakesava temple which was a Vaishnava temple was being built. Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

11. The building of the Hoysaleshwara temple was carried out as a competition to the Chennakesava temple. The temple has a very big tank which was built during the 11th century . The water to this tank is supplied from the Yagachi River. Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

12. Hoysaleswara Temple – Architecture he beautiful Hoysaleswara temple is a stunning masterpiece with exclusive carvings. There are more than a thousand figures all along the walls of the temple . You can see scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana on the walls of these temples . The Hoysaleswara temple was built as a mark of respect to Shantaleshwara , (the queen of Vishnuvardhana ) and Hoysaleswara . Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

13. The temple has been built in soapstone . The architecture reflects the beautiful paintings during the Hoysalas ’ rule. The shrines face eastwards . The temple walls have intricate stone sculptures which give the temple a different look. The Hoysala architecture is fine and this is clearly visible in the paintings spread around the temple. Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

14. The two shrined Hoysaleswara temple has a Shiva linga . Nandi , the attendant of Shiva is worshipped here . At the entrance, you can find the dancing Ganesha . There are close to 240 sculpturally articulate images . The doorways of the temple (both the eastern doorway and the southern doorway) have these exclusive sculptures. The sculptures also depict charging elephants which are symbolic of stability and strength . Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

15. There are lions that are depicted in the sculptures that symbolise courage and strength . The Hindu epics have been beautifully depicted in the stone sculptures and are worth seeing. The Hoysaleswara temple has been listed by UNESCO as a heritage site . Other Hoysala temples of Somnathpur and Belur have also been awarded this honour . Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

16. GarudaPillar   Garuda Stambha (Pillar) is an attention-grabbing structure of Hoysaleswara Temple . Garudas were known to be the selected bodyguards of the kings and queens. They used to live and move with the Royalty with the sole aim to defend their master. Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

17. At the death of their master, they committed suicide. In the southern side, the pillar demonstrates heroes flanking knives and cutting their own heads. The inscription on the pillar commemorates Kuruva Lakshma (bodyguard of Veera Ballala II). Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)

18. Hoysala architecture at halebid ( Hoysaleswara Temple)