Hoysaleswara Templeहोयसलेश्वर मंदिर

About Hoysaleswara Temple

The Hoysaleswara Temple stands at Halebidu in Hassan district, Karnataka, beside a large old tank. Halebidu was once Dvarasamudra, the capital of the Hoysala kings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the finest works of Hoysala art. Together with the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Keshava Temple at Somanathapura, it forms the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inscriptions indicate that the temple was begun around 1121 CE, during the reign of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, by a high officer of the court; the two shrines are named Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, the second traditionally linked with Queen Shantala Devi. Building went on for many years, and some parts were never finished. In the early 14th century Dvarasamudra was attacked and plundered by armies from the north, and the city declined. The temple is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is visited mainly as a monument, though the lingas are still honoured; ask locally about puja.

The temple is built of soft soapstone on a star-shaped raised platform, which allowed the carvers to work in extraordinary detail. Its outer walls are covered with continuous friezes: elephants, lions, horsemen, scrolls, and scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, topped by large panels of gods and goddesses. Two big Nandi pavilions face the twin shrines, and the lathe-turned pillars inside shine like polished metal. A small site museum nearby displays sculptures found in the area.

Hoysaleswara Temple timings

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Hoysaleswara Temple

Festivals at Hoysaleswara Temple

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• UgadiMar/Apr
• Karthika MasaOct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing is recommended, and footwear must be removed before entering the temple platform.

Entry

Entry to the temple is generally free; the site museum may charge a small ASI ticket. Check locally before visiting.

• Hire a trained guide at the entrance; the stories in the friezes are much richer when explained.
• Walk around the full star-shaped platform to see all the wall carvings.
• Morning light is best for photography of the eastern faces.
• Remove footwear before the platform, and carry socks if the stone is hot.
• Do not miss the Jain basadis and Kedareshwara Temple a short distance away.

Places to visit near Hoysaleswara Temple

• Jain Basadi complex, HalebiduHoysala-era Jain temples with polished pillars, about 1 km away
• Kedareshwara Temple, HalebiduSmaller Hoysala Shiva temple, about 1 km away
• Chennakeshava Temple, BelurFamous Hoysala Vishnu temple, about 16 km away
• ShravanabelagolaJain pilgrimage site with the giant Bahubali statue, about 80 km away

Frequently asked questions