This is Part 14 of Wonders of India, our series on India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start from Part 1: Taj Mahal or read the previous part, Part 13: Pattadakal.
The Hoysala dynasty ruled southern Karnataka from the 11th to the 14th centuries and left behind some of the most intricately carved temples in the world. In 2023, three of them were inscribed together by UNESCO as the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.
At a glance
- Location: Belur and Halebidu (Hassan district) and Somanathapura (Mysuru district), Karnataka
- Built: 12th-13th centuries CE
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: since 2023
What makes Hoysala temples special
- Soapstone (chloritic schist): soft when quarried and hard when exposed to air, allowing extraordinarily fine detail.
- Star-shaped (stellate) plans raised on platforms (jagati) used for walking around the temple.
- Lathe-turned pillars with mirror-like polish.
- Friezes of elephants, lions, horses, scrolls and epic scenes running in bands around the base.
- Madanikas: graceful bracket figures of dancers and celestial women.
The three temples
Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
Commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, reportedly to celebrate a military victory, and said to have taken over a century to complete. It is still an active Vishnu temple, famous for its madanika brackets and the Darpana Sundari (lady with a mirror).
Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
Halebidu was the Hoysala capital, Dwarasamudra. Its twin-shrined Shiva temple has some of the most detailed exterior carving anywhere. The city was sacked by Malik Kafur's army in the early 14th century.
Keshava Temple, Somanathapura
Built in 1268 CE, this compact, triple-shrined temple is perhaps the most perfectly preserved Hoysala temple, an hour from Mysuru.
Visiting the Hoysala temples
- Belur and Halebidu: about 16 km apart and 35-40 km from Hassan; entry is free.
- Somanathapura: about 35 km from Mysuru; a small ASI ticket applies.
- Timings: generally from morning to evening; Belur's sanctum follows temple puja hours.
- Getting there: Hassan has a railway station; Bengaluru and Mysuru airports are a few hours away.
Tips
- A good guide will point out details such as tiny carved insects and the different heights of the madanikas.
- Combine Belur and Halebidu with Shravanabelagola, home to the giant Gommateshwara statue.
Did you know?
Hoysala sculptors often signed their work, so we know the names of many of the artists who carved these temples. Plan your trip with our Karnataka travel guide.
Next in Wonders of India: the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya.
