Temples in Halebid
Hoysaleswara Temple
The Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva, was started in the mid-12th century and is covered with some of the most intricately carved sculptures in India. Even after 87 years of building, it was never completed. This star shaped temple is actually a pair of two identical temples with separate sanctuaries (altars) and mandapams (halls) right next to each other. One of the temples has active worship and the other does not. There are also two Nandi bulls. One of them is 16 feet long and is said to be the seventh largest in India.
The base of the temple has the emblem of lions and elephants carved around it, seemingly supporting the temple and signifying stability. There are 1200 elephants carved on the outer walls and none of them are alike. There are carvings of Lord Krishna and Vishnu on this temple. There are scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata carved on the walls in intricate detail. There are about 20,000 sculptures on this temple. There is an interesting carving of Lord Narayana in the back right comer.
The Kedareswara Temple nearby houses a Siva-linga named after Lord Siva who is worshiped at Kedarnath. Non-Hindus can enter the temple. There are a dozen or so other smaller temples in this area.
The Archaeological Museum, next to the temple, has a good collection of ancient sculptures.
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