In a remote part of the state of Karnataka, one can visit Belur and Halebeedu (Halebid). At these sites you can see Hoysala Dynasty (11th-14th 
centuries) temples. A multi-hour car ride from Bangalore (approximately 230 kilometers) will take you to these notable 12th century sites. Be ready for possible delays. Rush hour Bangalore traffic can be numbing. Oxen driven carts in the rural countryside may also delay your anticipated travel time. Take time to appreciate the dichotomy of a typical Indian adventure. The closest airport is in Mangalore, approximately 154 kilometers away.
Belur
Belur is located along the Yagachi River. In its heyday, Belur was regarded as “modern Vaikuntha (Heaven) on Earth.” King Vishnuvardhana ordered the construction of the temple in 1116 C.E. It was completed over a hundred years later. Centuries later, the dedication and skill of these Hoysala craftsmen remains evident.
The shrines are primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These buildings are modest in size compared to other regions where religious structures appear to reach toward the sky. The smaller stature provides excellent opportunities to view the rows of carved animals—lions, horses, and elephants— and figurines in a variety of poses.
Halebeedu
Halebeedu (Halebid) was the ancient capital of the Hoysala’s. It was constructed around the same time as Belur. It is now considered the largest surviving Hoysala temple. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Halebeedu suffered numerous attacks and was partially destroyed. The capital was relocated to Belur, approximately 16 kilometers away. Halebeedu offers a lovely garden setting that includes a manmade lake. If time allows, one can also visit a small archeological museum on the grounds.
Common Features
Belur and Halebeedu offer a unique opportunity to witness temples that exemplify religious tolerance. These structures artfully represent the Hoyala’s multiculturalism. They include elements from Vaishnavism (Hindu sects that worshipped Vishnu), Shaivism (Hindu sects that worshipped Shiva), and Jainism (separate religion that is not part of Hinduism).
While the temples at Belur and Halebeedu were built for religious reasons and dedicated to a particular Hindu god, the structures also incorporate aspects of all three religions. In addition to its original religious purpose, the complexes were used as social gathering places. Nowadays, these sites are destinations that are shared by pilgrims and tourists.
Most visitors will concentrate their attention on the soapstone carvings that adorn the exterior walls. This material was relatively easy to carve and then hardened over time.
The carvings have both religious and cultural meaning. They represent Deities, music, dance, hunting, daily life, and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatham.
Students of Indian architecture will also appreciate the mixture of two distinct Indian architectural styles—the northern Nagara style and the southern Dravidian style.
A temple guidebook will explain some of the particulars. Local guides can rattle off many facts, explanations of Indian mythology and culture, and can provide additional light while exploring the inside of the dark buildings.
Helpful Hints
Be prepared for an unpredictable ride and intense heat. Bring along extra water, snacks, a hat, and sunglasses. Many restroom options may be primitive and will most likely have only squat toilets. Be prepared. Carry extra tissues or toilet paper.
Visitors will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the site. If the pavement is scorching hot, consider wearing a pair of socks.
Have your camera ready to take pictures of the unique architecture and serene grounds.
Also, consider spending a night so that you can visit nearby Shravanabelagola. At this location, you will see Jain temples and the image of Gommateshawara, one of the largest monolithic statues.
THE ABOVE ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 26, 2015. IT IS BEING REPOSTED ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THE EXAMINER SITE SHUT DOWN IN JULY, 2016. SOME PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND THE ORIGINAL SLIDE SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.
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BIO
Sandra Bornstein is a freelance travel writer. She shares her travel experiences and recommendations on this blog and on other websites—One Travel: Going Places, Cheapoair.com Miles Away Travel Blog, We Said Go Travel, Mom It Forward, Boulder Jewish News, and Family Circle.
Sandra is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. This memoir highlights Sandra’s living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. She is a licensed Colorado teacher who has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses. Sandra is married and has four adult sons.
The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.
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