Aihole

We visit the Durga Temple Aihole, the cradle of temple architecture in Karnataka built between the 7th – 8th centuries by the Chalukyas. Interestingly, this temple is not dedicated to the Goddess “Durga”. It takes the name after the word “Durg” or fortress which probably refers to a fort built close by . Almost all the monuments in this town are between 1200-1300 years old.  W e are celebrating Karnataka Rajyoutsav or the day when Karnataka as a state was formed today.  And what better way to celebrate than to visit a destination that is very ancient and filled with rich heritage.

Hampi temple

A strange and magical place, Hampi is one of the most beautiful towns in Karnataka. Huge boulders are scattered across the land where ruins of the old Vijayanagar capital stand, poignant reminders of the passage of history. All the temples and buildings of Hampi are an exotic mix of Hindu and Islamic styles and the result is high vaulted domes and striking carvings. The group of monuments at Hampi were declared a World Heritage site in 1986.

The brothers Harihara and Bukka established the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336. Surrounded by the Tungabhadra River on one side and granite cliffs on the other three sides, Hampi was chosen as the capital of Vijayanagar Empire. Krishnadevaraya, was not only one of the greatest rulers of the region but also a patron to some of the finest temples and buildings in Hampi. The ruins of Hampi are extremely popular with tourists who flock here to soak in a sense of the past; and in every ‘reliving’, this seemingly dead city lives again.

 

 

Hoysaleswara Temple (halebeedu)

The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer of the Universe as per Hinduism. This temple was built during the 12th century and the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana built it. During the 14th century the Muslims invaded Halebidu and looted its riches and wealth. The temple was razed and neglected by the rulers. Hoysaleswara was also referred to as Dwarasamudra or Dorasamudra. The distance from Belur to Halebidu is about 16 kilometres; Hassan to Halebidu is about 31 kilometres

Hoysaleswara Temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Hoysaleswara and another for Shantaleswara (named after Shantala Devi, queen of King Vishnuvardhana). Standing on a raised platform, the temple is made out of Chloritic Schist (Soapstone, also known as potstone). Both of the shrines are located next to each other, facing the east direction. The shrine comprises the Shiva lingam (phallic form of Lord Shiva), the universal symbol of Lord Shiva

The Shiva and Parvathi temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana. It was the Shaivas who contributed money and wealth for building this beautiful temple. During this time, the Chennakesava temple which was a Vaishnava temple was being built. The building of the Hoysaleshwara temple was carried out as a competition to the Chennakesava temple. The temple has a very big tank which was built during the 11th century. The water to this tank is supplied from the Yagachi River.