The Hoysala-era temples were honored by being added as India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Cultural category. At the 45th session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This recognition highlights the rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship of these historical treasures.
Karnataka’s Tourism Department plans to highlight the Somanathapura Temple, a part of the Hoysala temples, in the Mysuru tourism circuit ahead of Dasara, leveraging its new UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Somanathapura Temple, along with other Hoysala temples such as the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid, collectively known as the ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala,’ was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in September 2023. This recognition adds a new dimension to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and offers a unique attraction for visitors during the festive season.
‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas’ comprising three temples
Chennakeshava Temple in Belur:
- It was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD.
- Beluru (also known earlier as Velapuri, Velur, and Belapur in olden times) is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and was one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire.
- It is a star-shaped temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is the main temple in the temple complex at Belur.
Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid:
- This twin-shrined temple is perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas.
- The sculptures depict various aspects of Shiva, as well as scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana.
- Halebid has a walled complex containing three Jaina basadi (temples) of the Hoysala period as well as a stepped well.
Keshava Temple of Somanathapur:
- It is a beautiful Trikuta temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms-Janardhana, Keshava, and Venugopala.
- The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.
Hoysala Dynasty
Origin and Rise:
- The Hoysalas governed areas spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for over three centuries, with Sala serving as the dynasty’s founder.
- The first kings came from the hills northwest of Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid), which became their capital in about 1060.
Political History:
- The Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyana, also known as the Western Chalukya Empire.
- The most notable rulers of the Hoysala dynasty were Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera Ballala III.
- Vishnuvardhana (also known as Bittideva) was the greatest king of the Hoysala dynasty.
Religion and Culture:
- The Hoysala dynasty was a tolerant and pluralistic society that patronized various religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
- King Vishnuvardhana was initially a Jain but later converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of the saint Ramanuja.
Hoysala Architecture
- The Hoysala Temples were built during the 12th and 13th centuries CE, showcasing the Hoysala dynasty’s unique architectural and artistic brilliance.
- All three Hoysala temples are protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Key Elements of Hoysala Architecture
Characteristics of Hoysala Architecture
- The Hoysala temples are not just architectural wonders but also repositories of the cultural and historical heritage of the Hoysala dynasty. These temples are sometimes referred to as hybrid or vesara due to their unique architectural style, which appears to be a blend that is neither completely Dravida nor Nagara but somewhere in between.
- Hoysala architecture is renowned for its distinctive fusion of various styles. It incorporates the Bhumija style prevalent in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
- A hallmark of Hoysala temples is the arrangement of multiple shrines grouped around a central pillared hall. These temples are primarily constructed out of soapstone, a relatively soft stone that allows for intricate carvings and detailed artwork.
FAQs
What is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hoysala Empire?
Which are the three Hoysala temples selected for the UNESCO list? The three temples include the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu, and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura.
What is the Hoysala style of architecture?
The Hoysala style is an offshoot of the Western Chalukya style, which was popular in the 10th and 11th centuries. It is distinctively Dravidian, and according to Brown, owing to its features, Hoysala architecture qualifies as an independent style.
Which is the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site in India?
The first sites to be listed were the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, all of which were inscribed in the 1983 session of the World Heritage Committee. The most recent sites listed were Santiniketan and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, in 2023.
Which is the symbol of Hoysala?
Honor and commemorate one of the most celebrated rulers of Karnataka, the Hoysala Empire, with the Hoysala Lion emblem. This magnificent symbol depicts Sala fighting the lion and is based on the Kannada legend of Sala saving his Jain guru from a tiger.
What are the two features of the Hoysala temples?
Multiple shrines of different deities were built around a central pillared hall.
Stellate plan: These shrines are established intricately in the design of a star.
Soft soapstone was the main building material.
