Author: Jordan Gann
Photos: Jordan Gann

Recently, I had the great opportunity to visit my good friend, Sumedha, in South India. While there, I was fortunate to tour the Hoysaleswara Temple. The temple is located in the town of Halebidu in the state of Karnataka, the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The construction on the temple started around 1121 CE and was complete in 1160 CE.  

The Hoysalewara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva, and was built by King Vishnuvardhana Hoysalewara who is known for his architectural legacy. Along with carvings and statues dedicated to Shiva, the Temple also has a shrine for the king and another for the queen.

(One of the two shrines)

Thousands of figures situated throughout the temple, some of them carved into stone with so much detail they look like they could become alive any second, describe the scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana, or tales of the Lunar and Solar dynasties. These are primarily seen on the outer walls of the temple with each statue depicting a different story.  

Below these statues are delicately decorated bands that wrap around the outer walls. These consist of the following from bottom to top: 1: marching elephants; 2: lions; 3: scroll; 4: horsemen; 5: scroll; 6: friezes; 7: makaras; 8: hamsa and peacocks; 9: professionals, daily life of people; 10: mythical creatures, festivals, ceremonies; 11: artha, kama, dharma scenes; 12: large image panels.

(Exterior bands)

Inside the temple, there are 2 vestibules running north and south along the sanctums which are called navaranga. These were normally places for the public to meet functioning as a community hall.

(North and south vestibules also called navaranga)

The Hoysalewara Temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Unfortunately, there are parts of the temple where you could see that over time people had taken pieces of the statues or damaged parts with graffiti. However, this site is truly magnificent. I felt privileged to have the opportunity to explore and use the temple as my own for personal reflection. This site is not only a place for prayer and recollections, but also a true marvel.

(Exterior of Temple)

(The whitest person in India at the time)

(Gajasuramardana Shiva)

(Varaha Avatar)