Hoysala Temple Architecture

Hoysala Temple, built between the 11th and 14th centuries in southern Karnataka, have a unique style that sets them apart. Often referred to as hybrid or vesara, they don’t fit neatly into the dravida or nagara categories. What makes them stand out are their distinctive star-like ground plans and intricate carvings. Unlike other medieval temples with a simple layout, Hoysala temples have multiple shrines arranged around a central pillared hall, forming a complex star shape. The temples become so intricate with projecting angles that they resemble a star, earning them the name stellate-plan temples.

Key Facts About the Hoysala Temples

Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:

The Belur temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in 1116 AD to celebrate his victory over the Cholas.
Belur, previously known as Velapuri, Velur, and Belapur, is situated by the Yagachi River. It served as one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.
The temple has a unique star shape and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It stands as the main temple in the Belur temple complex.

Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid:

This temple, with two shrines, is believed to be the biggest Shiva temple constructed by the Hoysalas.
Inside, you’ll find sculptures showcasing different aspects of Shiva, along with scenes from well-known epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
Halebid is home to a walled complex that houses three Jaina basadi (temples) from the Hoysala period.
Also, there’s a stepped well in the vicinity, adding to the historical charm of the place.

Keshava Temple of Somanathapur:

It is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms-Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala.
The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.

Characteristics

These temples are not just amazing buildings but also storehouses of the rich culture and history of the Hoysala dynasty.
Hoysala temples are often referred to as “hybrid” or “vesara” because their unique style falls somewhere between the Dravida and Nagara styles. They stand out from other medieval temples.
Hoysala architecture is famous for blending the Bhumija style from Central India, the Nagara traditions of the north and west, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
Inside, these temples have multiple shrines arranged around a central pillared hall, forming an intricately designed star shape.
What makes them special is that they are crafted from soapstone, a relatively soft material. This allowed artists to intricately carve sculptures, especially noticeable in the detailed jewelry on the temple walls depicting gods.

Hoysala Dynasty

The Hoysalas were in charge of places in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for more than 300 years, and Sala was the founder of this dynasty. The journey began when the first kings emerged from the hills northwest of Dorasamudra (now Halebid), establishing it as their capital around 1060.
Initially, the Hoysalas served as vassals to the Chalukyas of Kalyana, also known as the Western Chalukya Empire. Noteworthy rulers like Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III played significant roles in the dynasty’s political history.
Among the Hoysala rulers, Vishnuvardhana (also known as Bittideva) stands out as the greatest. His impact on the dynasty was remarkable.
The Hoysala dynasty embraced diversity, promoting various religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. King Vishnuvardhana started as a Jain but later embraced Vaishnavism, influenced by the teachings of the saint Ramanuja. This reflects the dynasty’s open-minded and inclusive cultural approach.

Read Also: Dravida Vs Nagara Architecture