ullavaru shivalaya maaduvaru naanena maadali badavanayya, enna kaale kamba dehave degula shirave honna kalashavayya Koodala Sangama kelayya sthavarakkalivuntu jangamakalivilla

The rich will make for . What shall I, a poor man, do? My legs are pillars, The body the , HOYSALA The head a of gold. Listen, O lord of the meeting rivers, Things standing shall fall, But the moving ever shall stay.

TRAVELER Basavanna’s Vachanas (1134 – 1196 A.D)

Basava (also known as Basaveshwara) was a philosopher and a radical social reformer. A true visionary with ideas ahead of his time, he envisioned a society that ourished enriching one and all. Many great yogis and mystics of the time joined his movement enriching it with the essence of divine experience in the form Published by Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, of Vachanas (rational hymns in ) that gave a rational view to human living. Distributed by Tourism Derpartment Copywright Designed by Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, Bangalore Original book concept devised by Jyoti Hosagraha, UNESCO Production by KolorKode, Bangalore, Chennakeshava Hoysala Kotte The temple, the religious and cultural center stood at the heart of a Hoysala Heritage Region town. A Fort wall or Kotte encircle the town as protection from invasion.

The Cultural Heritage of the Hoysala The Hoysala Legend 04 rulers is primarily in the settlements and Reign and Extent 06 towns in and around Belur and Halebeedu of the Empire in Karnataka. Back in the 12 century, Architechture 08 a traveler passing through the region, Literature 18 could easily spot the imposing Life in the Hoysala 19 (monumental tower) of the temple on its Kingdom raised platform.

Over time, the towns developed irrationally. Although they no longer fulfil their original Pette purpose, the kotte, pette, kere design A broad street, the Rajabeedi can still be found amidst hoardings and started from the temple ended at telephone towers. In this book the Kotte Pette, the commercial area. Today section covers the Hoysala art, history this area has shops, eateries and and literature. For an understanding of souvenir stores . local culture and Vernacular Architecture refer to pette. Landscape and geography is Vernacular Architechture 21 covered under Kere Regional Architecture 25 Local culture 26 Food and Drinks 28 Festivals 30

Kere Huge tanks called Keres were built to store water. There are usually two water bodies close to the temple. A pushkarani or well, located within the temple premises and a Kere outside. Stretches of cultivated fields surround the lake.

Water System 33 Landscape and Geography 36 Resources 39 Agriculture 39 The Hoysala Legend

The Hoysalas left behind an interesting account of their origins in their inscriptions. in taluk, district is famous as the birthplace of the Hoysala dynasty.

In a temple of goddess Vasantika, a jain monk by the name of Jainadatta Muni, was doing penance and at that stage a tiger came upon him. Immediately the Muni directed his disciple Sala to slay the tiger, with the word “hoy” which in Hale Kannada ( means “strike” Accordingly the disciple killed the tiger. He was blessed by the sage and named as Hoysala.The legend may have come into existence or gained popularity after King ’s victory over the Cholas at Talakad as the Hoysala emblem depicts the fight between the mythical Sala and a tiger, the emblem of the Cholas.

Pillars of Chennakeshvara Temple which are a part of Kote They rapidly rose to political eminence towards the beginning of the 12th century. Finally they overthrew the imperial suzerains and became the most dominant power of . They ruled with great glory up to the fourteenth century that is nearly three hundred and fifty years.

The Hoysala emblem

Kotte

The Hoysala Legend Reign and Extent of the Empire Architechture Literature Life in the Hoysala Kingdom

4 5 Reign & Extent of the Empire

The Hoysalas began as subordinate chiefs under the Chalukyas of Kalyan. At the time the two major

powers that dominated south India were the cholas in Extent of the (10th – 14th century). Shift of capital from Belur to Halebeedu.

the east and the Chalukyas in the west. Extent of Chalukya Empire (6th – 12th century)

Extent of Chola Empire (until 13th century)

The Hoysalas empire extended from in the north, him to surrender. As he refused war began. Ganagaraja began destroying up to the Vaigi River and in the south and from Kanchi, Kurnool the Chola army like a tiger. The chola army surrendered and Adiyama fled in the east, up to Tulu countries (North Kannada and South Kannada) to Kanchi. and Wainad in the west. They established a strong state and they extended their power over parts of southern and coastal Karnataka and parts of King Vishnuvardhana started the construction of the Chennakeshvara and . temple at Belur in 1117 CE in commemoration of this victory. In 1310, Ala-ud-Din Khilji, second ruler of the , invaded the King Vishnuvardhana is said to be the real founder of the Hoysala empire. Hoysala empire, defeated and took prisoner the Hoysala ruler, looted He liberated South India from the Chola rule. He ascended the throne in and ransacked the capital city of Dvarasamudra (Halebeedu). However, a 1111 CE. He made necessary defensive changes and shifted the capital subsequent Hoysala King, rebuilt the city. However, in 1326, from Belur to Halebid. The conquest of Talakad is one of Vishnuvardhanas Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate invaded the Hoysala momentous achievements. After marching triumphantly to Gangavadi the capital and this time completely demolished it. Halebeedu today is referred Hoysala general sent an ultimatum to the Chola officer, Adiyama asking to as the ruined city.

6 7 Architecture

The Temples built between 1050 to 1300 A.D. are artistically distinct from their predecessors. There is marked departure from the simpler older temples of the 7th century to a more elaborate and ornate style made rith sandstone

There is marked departure from the simpler older temples of the 7th century, to a more elaborate and ornate style made possible by the discovery of a new building material of a much finer grain than sandstone. This material was soapstone ‘balapada kallu ‘(called chloritic schist by geologists) which is found in abundance in the state. It is close textured and lends itself to intricate sculpture. Gopuram outside Channakeshvara Temple The basic scheme of the typical hoysala temple is not very different from the other known types in South India. The cubical form of the cell of the earlier structures gave way to a star shaped plan, thus lengthening the total wall space on the exterior and giving the sculptor added scope for ornamentation. Chennakeshava Temple- Belur

The temples were located in a compound or a temple had up to four garbagriha or within the main structure. A navaranga was usually The construction of this finely carved temple, included as a place for people to gather and participate in cultural started by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE took programs such as music and dance performances, story-telling from 103 years to build. It was completed by his grandson, mythology, and religious discourses. Temple dances such as Bharatnatyam Veera Ballala II. Subsequent rulers, the , flourished under the Hoysalas. At one time, some of the temples also had the Nayakas, and the Mysore Wodeyars all made , dancers who dedicated themselves to the temple. Many forms additions and alterations to the temple complex to of devotional music too, flourished. create the remarkable monument we see today. The Kings added the main gopuram at the A variety of narrative and musical forms of storytelling from the epics entrance as well as some shrines and mantapas within have survived to this day. The temple sculptures depict numerous musical the temple complex. instruments and configurations of musicians. The exterior walls of the numerous temples were intricately decorated with stone sculptures and The inscriptions state that this temple was dedicated carving. The Hoysala builder’s zeal for carving obviously subordinated to Kappechannigaraya installed by Shantaladevi, the architecture to a secondary role. The Hoysalas constructed numerous favorite queen of Vishnuvardhana. This temple, is stepped wells, , lakes, and sluice gates. dedicated to lord an of . His statue is installed in the inner sanctuary or . Wall architecture that surrounds At the entrance, facing the temple stands the winged Chennakeshvara temple figure of , Lord Vishnu’s carrier. The Temple is

8 9 delicate in its filigree work, with the added attraction of bracketed figures of celestial dancers, called Madanikas and an innumerable variety of intricate pillars (Stories of bracket figures – Madanikas as told to us by the archeological survey of India guide)

One of the most fabulous pillars is the Narasimha Pillar which has a repeating pattern of pillared niches running in horizontal bands around the shaft, with a tiny image enshrined in each niche In front of the shrine there is a beautiful statue of Shantala , queen of King Vishnuvardhana.

Over the east doorway is a projecting panel, intricately carved depicting the lion headed God Narasimha in the act of slaying the demon Hiranyakashyap. Contrary to Indian traditions, the hoysala sculptors signed their work at this temple. The walls on the railings are made of twenty perforated screens, all elaborately carved. These typical Hoysala screens remind us of the marvelously carved sandal wood and ivory screens for which the craftsman of Mysore are to this day famous. During the Muslim Invasion, the entire temple was covered in sand to disguise and protect it.

Main garbagriha or shrine

Absence of a pradakshina path Vishnupada

Navranga

Temple wall The temple was sculpted out of balapada kallu 3 to 5 feet hight platform or soap stone. on a star shaped plan (top) View of the Chennakeshavra temple (above) elaborate filigree on the entrance, (top to down) (bottom) Floor plan of Bracketed figures, elaborate cravings on the wall, the famous the temple explaining Narsimha pillar, Narsimha God, (top right) fine work at the The temple entrance the architecture or logic entrance of the temple. facing north east behind construction

10 11 Anecdotes of the Chennakeshava temple shared by Mr Anand Ram, Archeological Survey and Tourism Department

Mayurannrutya (figure) One of the humorous figures where you On her right hand there are two bangles. see two lovers, a male and a female. But You see a bird on her left shoulder with the female face is shown as a donkey Markatamohini (figure) the face of a parrot and feathers like a signifying that sometimes ‘Love is blind- A monkey below starts pulling her sari, peacock. it is symbolic to say that ‘the son saal ki umar mein, gadhi bhi sundar immediatly she crosses her right leg holding beautiful girl dances like a peacock, but lagti hai. (Even at the age of a hundred, a the loose sari in her left hand. Taking a talks just like a parrot.’ donkey looks beautiful)’ branch in her right hand, the monkey starts to laugh. Symbolically it means that if a beautiful girl starts dancing half naked, the man must ‘mind his monkey’.

They had many modern costumes. One figure seen standing wearing tight ‘knickers’ also called ‘hot pants’ or ‘Bermuda shorts’.

Darpanasundari (figure) When an artist carves a figure, female/ male, he must follow The lady looking at the mirror is the Samudrikalakshana- how a beautiful woman should be. The admiring her beauty. The handle of face is called Chandramukhi. The nose should be one third of the mirror, is inspired by the Belgian the total face, the face should be one seventh of the total body. imported design we all had earlier. Eye brows must be shaped like a bow; Now, modern people go to beauty parlour, Meenakshi, eyes like a fish; Simakati, a but they come here to copy new hairstyles. small waist and a flexible body for dancing. “History repeats the old fashion of our country.” “Sixteen year old woman with an eighteen inch waist. But now they go for beauty The tiny figure below on the left side is carrying a pet contests - 24. 36. 36.” If the second tow monkey on her left hand and holds a bunch of grapes of the foot is longer then the big toe, it in her right hand. Always she is merely showing the signifies a commanding nature. grapes to the monkey and not offering. The poor monkey is dissapointed with a sad face. The artists imagination narrates- The lady looks at the mirror but she does not feel happy because she is waiting for her lover. She keeps imagining her lover in the mirror, but the lover is not near. She feels seperated. A Jagali or railed parapet runs all the way round the temple. On this, sculptured in succession from the bottom are the following horizontal freizes-

Elephants for they strong bear the weight, they are symbol of stability and patience.

Lions

Horse riders

Lion face- Keerthi Mukha Thick creeper enclosing miniature figures and lions

Gods and goddesses Scroll with dancing girls in various poses Delicately carved figures in between pedestals. Brief stories from the and

(left) all ten layers of hierarchy, (top) the horse riders (top to bottom right) lions, four detailed layers, last two layers, ,.

14 15 Hoysaleshwara

Halebeedu Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebeedu was consecrated by King Vishnuvardhana in 1121. The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was sponsored and built by wealthy citizens of Halebeedu, then known as Dwarasamudra. The is the only elaborate temple of its type that survived in a city of numerous beautiful temples during attacks by invaders from the Delhi Sultanate who plundered Halebeedu the ruined city.

In the hoysalesvara temple there are twin shrines dedicated to lord Shiva as Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara. These gods are in the shape of a Linga.. In it each part contains a pillared of the same size. The grand Nandis; vehicle of Lord Shiva are in front of them. The temple is incomplete. At the bottom of the exterior walls are six horizontal bands of sculpture, each devoted to repeating themes like elephants , lions, swans or stories from the epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

(top) Garuda bird, (top right) Haleebedu temple, (L to R bottom) nandi bull, carving on the wall, the finely worked on ceiling of the temple.

16 17 Literature Life in Hoysala

The Inscription: Halmidi a small village The king was assisted in administration by his near the temple town of Belur is best known as ministers. They were to advise him, but were finally the place where the oldest known inscription to implement his orders. The administration was exclusively in Kannada language was discovered. highly centralized.

Earlier also many inscriptions having kannada words have been found The towns comprised of guilds of for example Brahmagiri edict of 230BCE by . But this is the first merchants. The heads of merchant guilds full scale inscription in kannada.Kannada is used in inscriptions from were called Mahavaddabeharis. Artisans earliest times and the Halmidi inscription is considered to be the earliest like smiths had their own guilds and epigraph written in Kannada language. This inscription is generally The king had a minister of justice were called .The Hoysala Kings known as the Halmidi inscription and consists of sixteen lines carved on or Dharmadhikari. Such officials were equally generous in their support a sandstone pillar. It has been dated back to 450 AD and demonstrates also existed in provinces. He of different religious sects: , administered both criminal and civil that Kannada was used as a language of administration at that time. justice. The king was the final court , and flourished under The inscription is in primitive Kannada, uses Brahmi characters and has of appeal. their rule. distinctive characteristics resembling those of Tamil. Ordeal or divya prevailed in trials Women were highly respected. Queens like and people were asked to take oath The period of hoysalas witnessed substantial literary activity, both in in favor of their cases by holding Santale and Umadevi were known for their kannada and Many commentaries and treatises on portions of consecrated food or sandal paste accomplishments and participation in the Samahita, , , etc., were written. wrote at least (prasada) in their hands. administration. Women were also scholars. some of his works during his stay in Karnataka. Madhwacharya’s sister Kanti was one of the famous poetess. Kalyanidevi and his disciple, Trivikrama wrote commentariesvon Dwaita Women had the right to buy, sell or own . Trivikrama wrote a poem, Ushaharana property.The economy of the kingdom which narrates the story of Ushaand Aniruddha. was a major part of prosperity. But the bulk of of the period was only religious.

A book of kannada poems The Halmidi script

18 19 Vernacular Architecture

The Hoysala heritage towns are more than a collection of isolated monuments. A close look at the patterns in these towns reveals the remarkable presence of two distinct cultural landscapes.

The Vernacular homes, streets, neighborhoods and shops are an important aspect of the heritage of the region. The spatial patterns and architectural features are rooted in the distinctive culture and environment of the region. The streets are paved with stone or of rammed earth and are largely pedestrian.

Visual elements such as view-lines and forms are important. Neighborhood, streets, and houses, evolve over time, being built and rebuilt, and carrying with them historical and cultural continuities. In recent years, the transformations in the residential and commercial environments have Street road been so great that the historical continuities are slowly getting lost.

There are numerous ordinary houses in these towns that are 80-200 years Top view of the town old (some even older) and have characteristic architectural features that make them unique. Earth walls painted white contrast with red country tiles, and dark wood and red oxide or earth finished floors. An entrance verandah or jagli with ornate wooden and brackets, and ornate wooden doors and windows are typical features.

Pette While some of the larger houses have a courtyard around which the dwelling structures are arranged, for others, paved spaces between houses Vernacular create community spaces and courtyards. Architechture Local Culture Arts and Crafts Local Eateries Shopping Festivals

21 20 A winding street in the morning. The commercial buildings on the main commercial streets in the region are rapidly demolishing older buildings to build new concrete slab structures. Regional However, double storied commercial buildings, with tiled roofs are characteristic in the region. The lower level has wide openings for shops Architecture and the upper level may be commercial or residential. A narrow covered walkway is sometimes present in front of the ground level stores. Wooden columns, brackets, and balconies are typical. The entrance verandah and wooden pillars form the most characteristic and interesting architectural feature. The jagli verandah is often raised by 2ft from the street and serves as a sitting area to socialize with neighbors. Although a few houses may use stone columns or khamba, most use wood.

Paved courtyards are typical in many of the neighborhoods. They connect buildings and provide private open spaces for extended families. Variations in height, non- orthogonal streets, a gradually unfolding sequence of movements, and non- symmetrical layouts result in a variety of roofscapes.

The very large houses are elaborate examples of residential buildings in the region. Often located on higher ground, they have exquisitely carved wooden columns, brackets, and doors. A three level entrance jagli or verandah established both the status of the owner as well as created a space for people to gather and watch the official proceedings at the highest platform.

Wealth and status were expressed in the ornamentation of the jagli and entrance pillars as well as in the carving of the main doorway. Some of the oldest houses have 4-8 heavy pillars to create a single large space that is the main living area.With subdivisions in recent times, only a single large, ornately carved pillar and bracket are visible.

Architectural drawings of the local View of one of the residential streets in Belur houses and streets.

24 25 (right) An artist carving the Hoysala emblem out of soapstone,(below) Itemas carved out of soapstone. Local Culture

From daily rituals of making rice-powder patterns (rangoli) at the entrance to a dwelling to the annual holidays of Navarathri and Krishnashtami & Shivarathri, symbolic practices mark the experience of time and space in towns.

Arts and Crafts

Stone carving and sculpting, wood carving, and handmade clay tiles are only some examples of the fine crafts found in this region. Exquisite stone sculptures and carving as in the temples and equally fine woodwork in the ordinary houses and found in Belur and Halebeedu.

(above) Local culture of worshiping Lord Shiva’s There are still a few skilled woodworkers who next to the sacred Peepal tree. make exquisitely carved rathas (temple chariots). sculptures and painting on wood is also a well developed heritage. Soap stone, abundant Different communities have different in the area, is carved into celebrations, festivals, and practices. objects sold as souvenirs Washing the entrance to a house and then for tourists. These can making rangoli patterns is a daily practice in be purchased near most many households. Some are more skilled at tourist destinations. it than others; a festival day demands more elaborate display of rangoli than other days.

(above) A woman making a Rangoli pattern

(L-R) A local musician, An artisan making mud statues. Food and

Drinks Places to eat

Vishnu Regency (Belur) (North/South Indian meals, Veg) The land of exquisite . Coffee along with cardamom is the main source of revenue in this hilly district. The district of Hassan is famous for Coffee House (Belur) its Ragi Mudde (Ragi Balls). This nutritious cereal is generally served with (Coffee, Tea, Breakfast, Veg) curry made of mutton or vegetable stew. Although luxury hotels do not Shankar Hotel (Belur) serve this, you can visit the smaller restaurants and hotels to get a taste (South Indian meals, Veg) of this dish. Hotel Sumukha (Belur) (North/South Indian meals, Veg)

V.B.... Bakery (Halebeedu) (Confectioneries, biscuits, Shopping snacks) Sri Manjunatha (Halebeedu) (Raagi mudde, majige/ butter Belur and Halebeedu have no major shopping attractions. Small milk) mementos of stone carvings can be purchased near most tourist destinations. This is a more common sight in Halebeedu where carved brass miniature statues and postcards are sold along with the stone sculptures.

(above) a basic chai (tea stall) kade found in the area, (top to bottom right) Vishnu regency, manjunatha hotel, ragi mudde (speciality), naariyal Basic small tea shops paani (coconut wtaer)

28 29 Water System

The lakes in many cases have continued to be a part of a social, religious, and aesthetic role in the life of the settlements addin to the function of providing water for both domestic and agricultural use.

Numerous water systems built by the Hoysalas as well as later rulers are evidence to a complex hydrological system. Larger towns usually have more than one lake.

Lakes, always in proximity to a temple, enabled devotees to take a purifying dip and offer prayers before participating in rituals at the temple. Festivals and rituals such as ‘Teppotsava’ were performed in the water.

A public source of water with shady trees around it also made it easy for travelers and pilgrims from villages in the region to rest and stay to participate in temple festivities. Mantapa in Vishnusamudra kere In most cases, the water bodies had stone steps going to the water at least on one side. These ghats made the water accessible and easily usable. Mantapa at Vishnusamudra tank Mantapas, or open pavilions around the water bodies also provided shelter to visitors and a place to cook, and to perform rituals and can be seen even today in Belur around the Vishnusamudhra and around the kere at and Koravangala. Kere

Water System Landscape and Geography Resources Agriculture

Small Kere at Chennakeshavar temple Lake being used for daily activities

32 33 Festivals

Festivals are an important aspect of the cultural heritage of the Hoysala region. Each temple has specific holidays and festivals associated with them. Many of these have been carrying on for a few centuries, many others have died out. Hoysala Mahotsava- The dance festival held at Belur and Halebid is a magnificent event. The temples with their exquisite sculptures make the perfect venue for this culture festival.

During Rathothsava, a smaller form of the temple’s uthsavamuruthy () is decorated and carried with pomp and splendor on carved wooden chariots circumambulating around the temple. Sometimes, smaller versions where the utsavamurthy is carried around the town and to the River Yagachi are regular occurrences. Some festivals, such as Theppothsava are no longer possible because the pond where it was carried out is now unclean and filled with silt.

The Mahamastakaabhisheka ceremony of the Statue takes place in once in 12 years when the planets are in a particular trajectory. The priests scale up a giant scaffolding and pour hundreds of pots containing sacred water, ghee, milk and jewels. Bharatanattayam dancers perform at the temple on some auspicious occasions (above), the Mahamastakaabhisheka ceremony being performed by the locals (below)

(L to R) Ratha, a horse used during the festival.

30 31 A Kalyani in Landscape or Geography

Hassan district lies partly in the malnad (hilly) tract and partly in the Western and north-eastern portions of the Belur taluk fall under the southern southern maidan (plains) tract. By considering the physical aspects like climate malnad region, the western portion of the Hassan taluk and eastern parts and rainfall, the district may be divided into three regions, which are the of the Belur taluk and the western parts of the Arasikere taluk form the “semi-malnad” region. The southern maidan region includes the whole of the 1. Southern malnad and taluks, eastern parts of the Arasikere and Hassan taluks and the south-eastern portions of the taluk. The 2. Semi-malnad southern malnad is a forest-clad hilly region with a heavy rainfall.

3. Southern maidan

36 37 Resources

Sunflower fields

The hills of Malnad are richly forested, and coffee is grown in great abundance. The are an area of great biodiversity, and is one of Conservation International’s biodiversity hotspots. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Muthodi is one of India’s Project Tiger sanctuariesThe forests of the Malnad region in the west produce teak, , bamboo, and such other products as tanning dyes, gums, and lac (a resinous substance used in the manufacture of varnishes).

Agriculture

Agriculture was and still continues to be the main occupation of the people. The kings introduced many schemes to improve agriculture. Tanks were constructed and wells were dug up. The highlands (malnad regions) with its temperate climate was suitable for raising cattle and the planting of orchards and spices. Paddy and corn were staple crops in the tropical plains which is the Bailnad region.

(Left) wildlife in malnad region,(above) paddy fields

38 39 Responsible Tourism

With economic growth and changes, increasing rural-urban migration, modernization, the influx of new media, and tourism, the greatest challenges to the heritage character of the Hoysala towns is managing, guiding, and controlling processes of urbanization and development.

Tourism can play a vital role in the conservation of a place provided there is sensitivity in its approach. Responsible tourism requires that operators, NGO’s, local people and tourists take responsibility to make tourism more sustainable.

Tourists admiring the intricate carvings of a temple.

This type is catagorised as tourism when it, Provides enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful interaction with the locals and a greater understanding of local culture.

Is culturally sensitive and engenders respect between tourists and hosts.

Minimizes environmental, social and cultural impacts.

Involves local people in decisions which affect their lives.

Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Generates greater economic benefits for the local people and enhances the well being of the host communities. Getting There Other temples to visit in and around the region

From : Veeranarayana Temple (10 km north of Halebeedu) Air, Rail, Road Situated to the west of the chennakesava temple it has numerous finely carved figures of Belur, 154 km various Hindu gods. Halebeedu, 184 Km INDIA The Channigaraya Temple is a huge walled court at Belur. Within the same premises From Hassan: are the Soumyanayaki temple and temple. Rail, Road Belur, 40 Km Jain Bastis, Bastihalli (1 km south of Halebeedu) Halebeedu, 31 Km Jain Basti temples are contemporaries of the Shiva temple. The Parsvanath temple is Karnataka magnificent with its 32 pillared pavilion. The 14 feet high image of Parsvanath has a seven hooded cobra over its head. From Bangalore: Road Shravanabelagola (52km from Hassan) Belur, 222 Km Sravanabelagola is a popular Jain pilgrim Centre, wedged between two rocky hills- Halebeedu, 238 Km Indragiri and Chandragiri. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, a Jain Saint, standing atop the Indragiri Hills is 17 meters high and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world. (10 Km from Halebeedu) Arsikere Belavadi is home to the famous Trikoota temple, where the idols of Veeranarayana, Venugopala and Narashima are located in a single complex. It is an excellent example of . Haranahalli Halebeedu (6 Km from Hassan) Kondaji Belur Hullikere It has the bucheshvara temple built in the 12th century. Doddagaddavalli Basadi Hills (1 Km from Halebeedu) There are three Jain temples, less than a kilometre from the Hoysaleshwara Temple. Koravangala The Parswanathaswamy Basadi ( ) is the more important one and is one HASSAN of the best of all Halebeedu’s architectural works. The temple complex has a museum which houses the idols, statues, busts and sculptures excavated by the archaeological department from the site. It opens daily from 10.00am to 5pm, and closed onFridays.

Holenarasipur Tourist Information Centres

Bangalore Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, House, N Opposite City corporation, NRS square. Tel: 080-22275869/22212098 Halebid Tourist Information Centre. Tel.268862 W E Hassan Regional Tourist Office, Vartha Bhavan, B.M Road, Tel: 268862. Shravanabelegola Tourism Information Centre. Tel: 08176 73224 42 S 43 Travel Itinerary

3 Days

Bangalore to Hassan by train bus or Hassan to Belur by bus or private Hassan to Bangalore by train, 1 private transport. Overn ight atH assan. 2 transport to visit the Chennakeshava 3 bus or private transport. Te mple at Belur. Belur to Halebeedu by bus and visit the Hoysaleshwara temple (Kedare shwara and Jain temples optional). Halebeedu to Hassan by bus or private transport. Stay at Hassan.

2 Days General Information Bangalore to Belur by bus or private Visit the Chennakeshava Temple. Climate Halebedu 1 transport. Overn ight stay at Belur. 2 Belur to Halebeedu by bus Summer (Feb-May) 20C-35C Hotel Manjunatha or private transport. Visit the V.B. Bakery Hoysaleshwara temple (Kedare shwara Winter (Nov-Jan) 14C-28C and Jain temples optional). Halebeedu Rainfall (Jun to Oct) 86cm approx to Belur and overn ight stay at Belur. Languages Hassan Belur to Bangalore by bus or Hotel Suvarna Sagar Kannada and little English DOOF private transport KSTDC Mayura Phone code local 08177, international Belur +9108177 India Coffee house, Temple road Hotel Shankar, Temple road Hotel Sumukha, Temple road Vishnu Sagar, K.G. Road N BELUR HALEBEEDU Hassan

TO ATHALAGERE VILLAGE TO VEERABHADR SWAMI TEMPLE Hoysala Village Resorts, Belur Road. W E Hassan - 573 201 Kalasada kere Tel: 256065, 256792. TO BANAVARA Tariff Range: Rs. 4000/- to Rs. 4500/- S Hotel Hassan Ashok, P. B. No. 121, Bangalore-Mangalore Road, TO BELUR Hassan - 573 201 Tel: 08172-268731 – 36 TO HALEBEEDU Tariff Range: Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 6000/-+ Tax

Temple of Hospital Hotel Sri Krishna, Bangalore-Mangalore Road, Shankareshwara Hassan - 573 201 Bus stand Tel: 08172-263240, 41, 43 Sri Manjunatha Tariff Range: Rs. 600/- to Rs. 975/-+Tax Bhavan Mayura Velapuri Hotel Belur

Internet cafe Hotel Mayura, Velapuri Temple road,

MAIN TEMPLE ROAD MAIN TEMPLE ROAD V.B. Bakery Belur, Hassan District -573115 State Bank of Tel: 722209 Mysore Tariff Range: Rs. 210/- to Rs. 364/- Chennakeshwara Shankar Post office Temple Hotel Vishnu Regency, Sakaleshpur Road, TO HASSAN Belur, Hassan Dist. Karnataka Tel: 08177-223011, 223012 Coffee TO HAGAREW Tariff Range: Rs. 500/- to Rs. 800/- House Sri Vishnu Krupa Boarding and Lodging, Hotel Vishnu Petrol pump Belur Main Road, Hassan - 573 115 Regency Tel: 08177-222263 Tariff Range: Rs. 200/- to Rs. 250/-

Halebeedu

Hotel Mayura, Shantala Halebid, Hassan District- 573121, Kamataka. Hoysaleshwara Dwara Samudra Tank Tel: 773224 TO SANGESHPUR Temple Tariff: Single. As. 100/- Temple of Double As. 150 4 Bedded As. 250/- Sopanas KSTDC Mayura Shantala, , Hassan - 573 121 Vishnu samudra Bangalore to Belur 222 km Kedareshwara, Tel: 08177-273224 Belur to Hassan 40 km Jain Temples Tariff Range: Rs. 150/- to Rs. 250/- Hassan to Halebeedu 30 km TO SHRAVANBELEGOLA Halebeedu to Belu 16 km Halebeedu to Arsikere 45 km