In the 14th century, ravaging armies of the Delhi Sultanate stormed into the Deccan region, led by the ferocious Malik Kafur. They laid the town of Dwarsamudram to waste. Today, what stands in its place is ruins, made more precious with time.
Dwarsamudram means the Gateway to Sea. Built as the royal capital of the Hoysala kingdom in the 12th century, this temple town of Halebid hosts classic Hoysala architecture. The remains are organised into temple complexes, which bear witness to the atrocities of time.
The Hoysaleswara temple is the largest temple of the area. The Hoysaleswara temple is a twin-temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingas, named after the masculine and feminine aspects. While a Shiva temple, it is a rarity as it holds idols dedicated to Vaishnav, Shakti and even Jain movement in history. It is truly a reflection of the syncretic past of the region.
The ornate panels of artwork and carving on this and other temples of Halebid are a reminder of the Hoysala art. This is probably the only place to view this kind of carving.
Three Jain basadis were also built during the Hoysala reign. Parshvanatha Basadi is notable for its architecture and exquisite carvings on the lathe turned pillars. There is also a Bahubali monolith at Halebidu.
Belur is a short drive from this temple town. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava Temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship.
The best time to visit these temple complexes is during the cool winter months. The nearest railway station is at Hassan and you can also fly till Mangalore which is the closest airport.
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