| Channakeshava Temple Belur |
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The Channakeshava temple at Belur, which
was (the earlier Capital of Hoysala Kingdom) built by the emperor
Vishnuvardhana, during 1117 AD to commemorate his conversion from
Jainism to Vaishnavism, has attracted connoisseurs of art the World
over, through its intricate sculpting wonders. The temple built on
a podium of star shaped platform has outer walls which are far famed
for the 'beautiful shilabalikas' carved out of stone. Their beauty
is the inspiration for many odes. The pillars in the 'Navaranga'
of the temple are stunning.
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The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The exotic bracket figures (Madanikas) on the walls of this temple are serene, playful enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural ecellence. Inside even in the darkness, you can see the hand-lathe-turned shining pillars, each unique in its own splendor. On the smooth circular platform in front of the shine, you can see the beautiful Shanthala devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana. How to reach here It is about 38 Km from Hassan. Regular Bus services and tourist taxies are available from Hassan. |
| Halebeed temple |
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Halebeed
temple is another great example of temple architecture the twin
temples of Hoysaleshwara, Kedareshwara
built by Vishnuvardhana
and Ballala-II at Halabeed. Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavatha
are depicted on the outer walls of these temples. The efficiency
and experience of the sculpture, who had carved these stories in
stone
is bewitching. Hoysalaeswara Temple standing on a platform like a
casket, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone.
Outside
there is a Nandi (Bull) the mount of Lord Shiva bullock where the
palace stood, connected to the temple by a passage.
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Inside its dark depths, the queen Shantala Devi
beckons from an alcove. The figure of mortals and immortals are larger
here are compared to Belur and are beautifully chiseled, in shining
black stone. The walls of the temples are covered with variety of
gods and goddesses, animals , birds and dancing girls. there is a
museum on the lawn with 12-13th century sculpture and the gold coins
in use at the time. The Kedreshwara temple where the sculptor's virtuosity
seems to have surpassed even the goldsmith's skill in its sheer intricacy.
One Km from Halebeed is Basti Hill where there are Jain Basties with
gleaming black stone pillars.
How to Reach here Halebeed
is 17 Km from Belur and 30 Km from Hassan. Regular bus services
and Taxies are available both from Hassan and Belur. |
| Lord Gomateshwara |
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Wedged between two stark rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains since early times. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills (Indragiri hill), is 18 meters high and is said to be one of the tallest and most graceful monolithic statues in the world. The symmetry in stone was created around 978 AD by Chamundaraya, a general and minister of the Ganga, King Rachamatta. The Mahamastakabisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, the last one in 1993, attracts devotees from all over the world. Priests climb up to pour pots of coconut water, turmeric paste, vermilion powder over the statue's head.Just opposite is the smaller Chandragiri hill where some Jain temples and tomb of Chandragupta Mourya, famous patron of Jainism can be seen. |
How to reach here It
is about 54 Km from Hassan and about 150 Km from Bangalore and
about 80 Km from Mysore. Regular bus services from Hassan and Channarayapatna
is available. |
| Hasanamba Shrine |
A temple shrine with an ant-hill representing Hasanamba, the presiding
deity. The temple of Hasanamba will be opened only once in a year about
a week, during the Ashwayuja month. (October). A big 'Jatra'
(fair) will
be held on this occasion.
| Jog Falls |
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It is 348Km away from Mysore. It is near
to 50 Km long Hirebhasgar Reservoir which regulate the Sharavati River
and generate hydro electricity. Late Nov to early Jan is the best season
to visit the site. After rain during the monsoon season, the falls
have gave a magnificent spectacular sight. There are four falls. Raja
is the highest with a fall of 250meters and a pool below which is 40
meters deep. Next is Rorer and the other is Rocket. The Rani is normally
called 'White Lady' run over the rocks. |