Halebidu/Halebeedu is a town in Hassan District, Karnataka. Halebidu is 16 kms away from Belur and is one of the major tourist attractions in Incredible India. Halebidu(earlier known as Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of Hoysala Kingdom in 12th century. Hale means old and bidu means home/habitat in Kannada Language. This city was ransacked and looted twice in 14th century causing damage. As a result this city was deserted and got the name “Halebidu”.
Halebidu is famous for the Hoysala architecture and is proposed to be listed under UNESCO world heritage sites. The most notable ones are Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples .
How to get there
Halebidu is at a distance of 215 Kms ( 133 Miles ) from Bengaluru (Bangalore), Capital city of Karnataka, 32.3kms(20 miles) from Hassan, 170 kms(105 miles) from Mangalore and 158kms(98 miles) from Mysore. Halebidu does not have an airport. Either opt to go to Bangalore, Mangalore or Mysore and then take a bus or a car to Halebidu. There are many Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC) and private buses plying to and fro to Halebidu from Mysore/ Bangalore. Nearest Train station is Hassan.
Six Marvels of Hoysaleshwara Temple
1. Twin Temple Plan
The Hoysaleshwara temple is a twin temple also called dvikuta vimana(plan with two temples and two super structures). Both the temples are identical in size and sanctums open to the east. Both are Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. Twin Nandi statues at the entrance of the temple to the east
There are two Nandi statues (Vahana of Lord Shiva) in seated position outside each of these temples to the east. They are 9 feet and 8 feet tall each respectively and carved out from a single stone. They stand 6th w.r.t. height and size of Nandi statues found in entire India. But they stand 1st w.r.t. the designs and decorations that are carved out on the stone. Carvings are done to such detail that veins can be seen on the face of the Nandi statues.
3. Outer Walls
Architectural Marvels are best to be seen inside temple at Belur and outer temple walls at Halebidu. The Outer walls of the temple is intricately carved. Its lowest layers consists of bands with friezes.
- Bottom most layer has 1248 Elephants carved from soap stone. Elephant signifies strength.
- Second layer from bottom has Lions. Lions signifies courage.
- Third and Fifth layer has scrolls with nature and miniature dancers.
- Fourth layer has horses. Horse signifies speed.
- Sixth layer has Indian mythological stories(Ramayana and Mahabharatha) carved out of soap stone.
- Seventh Layer has a unique imaginary animal called makara.
- Eight has Swan carved out of soap stone. Swan is said to be the vehicle of Indian God Bramha.
4. Imaginary Animal Makara carved out of soap stone.
Imaginary animal is carved out in the outer wall’s seventh layer. This animal is called Makara. If we closely observe the animal then we find that it has lion’s legs, Pigs body, Crocodile mouth, Cows ears and Peacock’s tail.
5. Pillars and Ceilings inside temple complex
The interior walls of the temple at Belur has detailed carvings however it is plain at Halebidu. Ceilings has intricate designs carved from soap stone. It appears that there were many madanikas placed at the pillars but now are in damaged state and some are looted.
6. Indian Mythological Stories carved from Soap Stone
The friezes on the outer wall of the temple narrates Indian mythological stories from Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana. It has krishna leela from Bhagavata on one side of the temple wall. There are statues of Lord Bramha, Vishnu and Maheshwara on the south eastern side of the temple.
Travel Tips
- Carry cap, water bottle, sunscreen as it gets extremely hot during the day. It is best to visit during early morning or late evening to avoid hot sun.
- September to March is the best time to visit. It is extremely hot during April/May and rainy from June – August.
- Hiring a guide is a must to understand the intricate designs carved on the walls of the temple. Government trained guides who can speak multiple languages are available at the temple complex. They charge a fixed nominal fee. Feel free to give them a tip if you like their service.
- There are a lot of soap stone and brass souvenirs available outside temple complex.
- It is worth carrying a camera to capture man made wonder on the stone.
- Belur another Hoysala attraction is 16kms away.
Beautifully written and captured every detail!
Thanks for the feedback.