Belur & Halebidu - A Story Set In Stone |
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Ancient Temples. Jain Heritage monuments
The world famous Belur and Halebidu are best known for the temples with highly intricate carvings. The twin cities were once the capital of the famous Hoysala rulers of South India, 800 -1000 years ago.
Like any other ancient Indian city, the temples act as the citadels of the local histories and of course,beautiful works of stone art.
The temples have huge courtyards, lovely intricate carvings with many colourful stories that are locally known about the making of these temples. The temple at Belur took more than a century to be completed! The Hoysalas are known to have patronised and nurtured renowned sculptors. The sculpting work was not just limited to temples - near Halebidu, the most ornate of temple ponds can be seen.
On the way to Bangalore, if time permits we could take a detour to Shravanabelagola hill, a holy place for the Jains. A 47 feet tall statue of Bahubali, a revered Jain saint, carved out of a single block of granite stands tall among the hills.
Mull over this Jain King who is supposed to have left his entire Kingdom, worldly pleasures and even his clothes and attained Nirvana.
Duration: 8-10 hours
Attractions: Belur Chennakesava temple, Habebidu group of temples, Jain temples, Kalyani
Inclusions: Guided tour, traditional short eats and lunch
Exclusions: Transport & everything not given above
Toilet: (Indian) near the temples & (Western) Highway Eateries
The world famous Belur and Halebidu are best known for the temples with highly intricate carvings. The twin cities were once the capital of the famous Hoysala rulers of South India, 800 -1000 years ago.
Like any other ancient Indian city, the temples act as the citadels of the local histories and of course,beautiful works of stone art.
The temples have huge courtyards, lovely intricate carvings with many colourful stories that are locally known about the making of these temples. The temple at Belur took more than a century to be completed! The Hoysalas are known to have patronised and nurtured renowned sculptors. The sculpting work was not just limited to temples - near Halebidu, the most ornate of temple ponds can be seen.
On the way to Bangalore, if time permits we could take a detour to Shravanabelagola hill, a holy place for the Jains. A 47 feet tall statue of Bahubali, a revered Jain saint, carved out of a single block of granite stands tall among the hills.
Mull over this Jain King who is supposed to have left his entire Kingdom, worldly pleasures and even his clothes and attained Nirvana.
Duration: 8-10 hours
Attractions: Belur Chennakesava temple, Habebidu group of temples, Jain temples, Kalyani
Inclusions: Guided tour, traditional short eats and lunch
Exclusions: Transport & everything not given above
Toilet: (Indian) near the temples & (Western) Highway Eateries
