Karnataka's Hoysala Temples on UNESCO World Heritage List

Last Updated20/09/2023

Recently, the Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapur in Karnataka were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The nominations were entered as ‘The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas’.
All the three temples are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Construction of the temple commenced in 1117 AD during the period of king Vishnuvardhana and took 103 years to complete.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Chennakesava, which means beautiful (chenna) Vishnu (Keshava).
The exterior of the temple narrates scenes from the life of Vishnu, his reincarnations and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
However, some of the representations of Shiva are also included.

It is the most exemplary architectural ensemble of the Hoysalas extant today.
Commenced in 1121CE during the reign of the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara.
The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was sponsored and built by wealthy citizens and merchants of Dorasamudra.
Well-known for the more than 240 wall sculptures that run all along the outer wall.
Halebid has a walled complex containing three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a stepped well.

Commissioned by Somanatha Dandanayaka during the regime of Narasimha III in 1268 CE.
A Trikuta temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms namely Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala.
Unfortunately, the main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.

It is the building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
They are known for evolving a distinct style that is ornate with temple architecture following a stellate plan built on a raised platform.
- Stellate-plan: multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star.
The material used in temple construction is choloritic schist (soapstone), so, the artists were able to carve their sculptures intricately.
- This can be seen particularly in the jewellery of the gods that adorn their temple walls.