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Old 12th October 2016, 00:42   #1
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Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

We have visited Belur and Halebid many times over the years - massive temple complex with breath-taking architecture, intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. But you also have to accept the fact that it can get crowded at times. Unless you get there first or visit during weekdays, this is likely to be the scene at Belur or Halebid -

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-img_0150.jpg

Couple of months back, we stumbled upon Somnathpura near Mysore, a less famous cousin of Belur and Halebid. It was refreshingly less crowded and we were able to take pictures like this -

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20160903_152620_1_p.jpg

After learning from the official ASI guide at Somnathpura that there are atleast 100+ Hoysala era temples, we began our voyage of discovery with the help of Wikipedia and Google. Funnily, it led us to these threads on Team-BHP by BHPians hotsuff and akbaree




http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...a-temples.html

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...a-temples.html

Made a flexible trip plan, booked a hotel at Hassan and set off. Hassan makes for the best 'base camp' because of its strategic central location to most of the temples and large choice of hotels. If you prefer staying in resorts or homestays instead, Chikmagalur (as a base camp) is a good choice too - but you probably need to cover a few extra kilometers.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_124505_p.jpg

Checked into the hotel and dumped our luggage. My little daughter's idea of a "quick lap time"

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_162313_ll_p.jpg


Now, during our trip, we managed to get visit just 12 or 13 lesser known Hoysala temples. But we are such big fans of Hoysala architecture that we intend to 'discover' each of these 100+ ancient structures over a period of time. After all, Bangalore is just 100 to 200 kms away and we could easily make it a weekend plan.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) Most temple complexes are closed by 6 PM
2) Only Hassan, Belur and Kadur have decent restaurants with clean toilets. If you have ladies on board, keep that in mind. Petrol bunks rarely have well maintained or useable toilets. You might need to go back and forth between these towns & your destination. Not a big issue though, because travel time is usually around 1 hour.
3) All you need is Google Maps, name of the village (Eg: Amruthapura) and temple (Eg: Amrutheshwara Temple). Be prepared to ask locals for directions - because many times, Google Maps can get you to the village but not the temple complex. Don't expect signboards once you get to the village. Approach "road" to the temple complex can be as narrow as the width of your car.
4) Although the temple complex is open, the temple doors are likely to be closed. But you will find village elders around the temple who will gladly get the keys and open the doors for you.
5) Thanks to Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, most of the roads leading to the temples are smooth. Expect average speeds of 45 kmph and plan accordingly.
6) Most of these ancient structures are protected by law, and maintained by ASI. Many of these temple complexes will have well-maintained lawns. Very clean and kid friendly. However, some of these structures are maintained by rich private individuals and receive no funding from the Government.
7) Many of the temple complexes have official and unofficial guides (Pujari himself or a local). If you are offered an unsolicited guided tour, take it. You pay what you are comfortable paying.
8) Although you are likely to be the only person/family in the entire temple complex, it "feels" very safe there. The temple complex is surrounded by village houses.
9) For some reason, most of the priests and guides request you NOT to take photos of the idols. Others are OK with it, but ask you to switch off the camera flash.
10) The temples are made out of a type of soft rock called soapstone - it is a mix of silica and talc. In natural form, it is smooth and soapy to touch (hence the name soapstone). Soapstone + scientific Hoysala architecture means inside the temple is very cool and sometimes breezy (cross ventilation), even in the afternoon

Trip to these Hoysala temples is most suited for:

a) Amateur photographers
b) Driving enthusiasts (because of smooth narrow winding roads)
c) Religious types
d) Fans of architecture, historical monuments, culture etc.

Toddlers and small kids will have a ball, because of wide open 'play area'. Older kids might find this monotonous and boring though.

Last edited by ampere : 13th December 2016 at 20:17. Reason: As requested :)
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Old 12th October 2016, 01:36   #2
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

List of lesser known Hoysala Temples (click on link to jump directly to the details page) -

1) DODDAGADDAVALLI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4073762

2) AMRUTHAPURA
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4073805

3) BAGGAVALLI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4073974

4) HIRENALLUR
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074049

5) KORAVANGALA
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074108

6) ARSIKERE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074273

7) HARANAHALLI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074429

8) BELAVADI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074459

9) JAVAGAL
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074709

10) ARAKERE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074750

11) PUSHPAGIRI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074880

12) KONDAJJI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074898

13) MOSALE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074933

14) SOMNATHAPURA
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/assemb...ml#post4074968

15) NANDI VILLAGE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4080223

16) GOVINDANAHALLI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4085009

17) KIKKERI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4085505

18) HOSAHOLALU
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4085741

19) ANEKERE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086059

20) NUGGEHALLI (VISHNU TEMPLE)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086284

21) NUGGEHALLI (SHIVA TEMPLE)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086293

22) ARALAGUPPE
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086358

23) TURUVEKERE (VISHNU TEMPLE)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086368

24) TURUVEKERE (SHIVA TEMPLE)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4086370

25) KUDLI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4108440

26) BALLIGAVI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4108464

27) KANNAMBADI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4112305

28) HARIHAR
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4119579

29) IKKERI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4119590

30) KELADI
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4119592

31) BASARALU
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post4123706

I intend to update this list/thread over the next few months.

Last edited by Aditya : 9th January 2017 at 07:51. Reason: Adding bold tags for uniformity
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Old 12th October 2016, 15:56   #3
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

DODDAGADDAVALLI

Name: Lakshmi Devi Temple
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshm...oddagaddavalli
Distance from Hassan: 20 Kms
Location: Just off Hassan - Belur highway
How to Get There: Type 'Doddagaddavalli' in Google Maps and select 'Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple' from the drop-down list.


Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161012151811.jpg

Tip: The "9 min slower" route is the one I'd recommend. Road is narrow but quite scenic. You can take the Belur highway route while coming back.

View of the temple complex from the car parking area:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_172329_p.jpg

Main entrance:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_172436_1_p.jpg

Waah! I want Papa!

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_172457_1_p.jpg

This was one of the earliest Hoysala temple that was built. Not much carvings on the temple walls and towers.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_172645_1_p.jpg

Most Hoysala temples are built on an elevated platform. Not this one though.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_174321_ll_p.jpg

Backside

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_174230_1_ll_p.jpg

Entrance to the shrine:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_172704_1_p.jpg

Temple interiors:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_173348_1_ll_p.jpg

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Carvings and sculptures on the roof of the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_173615_1_ll_p.jpg

Hoysala era car decor made out of Tulasi leaves

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161007_175105_1_p.jpg

Last edited by SmartCat : 12th October 2016 at 20:19.
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Old 12th October 2016, 16:54   #4
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

AMRUTHAPURA

Name: Amrutheshwara Temple
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrute...e,_Amruthapura
Distance from Hassan: 114 kms
Location: Just off Bangalore - Shimoga highway, close to Tarikere
How to get there: Type 'amrutheshwara' in Google Maps and select Amrutheshwara Temple, Amruthapura

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161012170336.jpg

First glimpse of Amrutheshwara Temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_135738_1_p.jpg


Front view:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_140018_1_p.jpg

When you look left:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_140024_1_p.jpg

When you look right:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_140028_1_p.jpg

Intricate carvings on the front wall of the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_140042_1_p.jpg

Inside the shrine:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141337_1_p.jpg

My super-excited 6 year old boy:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141158_1_p.jpg

Shiny lathe turned cylindrical pillars:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141257_p.jpg

Roof art:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141250_p.jpg

View after exiting the shrine from the left hand side:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141923_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_142115_1_p.jpg

Drop that thing in your hand and pick me up right now!

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_141927_1_p.jpg

Side profile:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_142154_1_p.jpg


The structure on the left is the Sharada Devi Temple. If you need divine help with respect to education, you can make a pact with God and make an offering of saree + rice once your wishes have been granted! It's a pay for performance kind of deal.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_142250_1_p.jpg

View from the back:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_143816_1_p.jpg

Last edited by SmartCat : 12th October 2016 at 21:41.
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Old 12th October 2016, 21:28   #5
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

BAGGAVALLI

Name: Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_N...le,_Baggavalli
Distance from Hassan: 102 kms
Location: 24 kms from Amruthapura, and off Birur - Ajjampur state highway, which is in a terrible condition
How to get there: Type 'Baggavalli' in Google Maps. Once you get to the village, ask for Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161012212651.jpg

This is how we discovered Baggavalli - we saw a large billboard near Amruthapura.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_150142_1_p.jpg

Somewhere in between Amruthapura and Baggavalli:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_154940_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_154953_1_p.jpg

First view of the temple complex - this particular temple receives no Government funding, and is maintained privately. However, it is a protected monument and receives chemical treatment from ASI every few years:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_155912_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_161156_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160021_p.jpg

Pics taken while circumnavigating the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160330_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160301_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160246_1_p.jpg

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Afternoon time is nap time for the little one. Meanwhile, there is a Ganesha statue kept under lock and key. Why? Because this particular Ganesha has been growing in size from the past 300 years (apparently)

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160121_1_p.jpg

The entrance to the shrine. You need to walk across a small field, knock on the doors of the priest's house and get it opened. No photography allowed inside. The priest performed an Aarti and offered Theertha. My wife prayed for health, wealth and happiness for our entire family. And I prayed for better acceleration and higher mileage.
Attached Thumbnails
Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_160816_1_p.jpg  


Last edited by SmartCat : 12th October 2016 at 23:35.
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Old 13th October 2016, 00:05   #6
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

HIRENALLUR

Name: Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallik...le,_Hirenallur
Distance from Hassan: 103 kms
Location: 10 kms from Baggavalli, and 15 kms from Kadur
How to get there: Type 'Shri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple' in Google Maps and select SH 153, Hirennalluru from the drop down list.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161013000618.jpg

We discovered Hirenalluru thanks to Baggavalli temple priest. Front view:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_165705_1_p.jpg

A walk around the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_165757_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_165811_1_p.jpg

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Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_165913_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_165944_1_p.jpg

The keys to the shrine was with a caretaker who opened the temple doors for us. Discouraged us from taking photographs inside. No interesting stories about the temple either, but mentioned that Government outsources maintenance of these temple complexes to private companies who are paid Rs. 18,000 per month. Their responsibility is to keep the temple complex clean and green. The kids spent some time chasing eachother.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161008_170517_1_p.jpg

Last edited by SmartCat : 13th October 2016 at 00:30.
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Old 13th October 2016, 12:34   #7
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

KORAVANGALA

Name: Bucheshvara Temple
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucesv...e,_Koravangala
Distance from Hassan: 12 kms
Location: 1 km from Koravangala Kaval, off highway linking Hassan to Arsikere
How to get there: Type 'Bucheshvara Temple' in Google Maps and select 'Bucheshvara Temple, Koravangla' from the drop-down list.

Bangaloreans, heads up. It is Koravangala, not Koramangala!

We had a tough time locating this one, mainly because of confusing names (of both temple and village). It took us 30 mins of search once we got close to the location, and almost returned back. See, there is a village called 'Koravangala Kaval' along the highway, but that's not where the temple is located. You need to take the first available left turn after you reach Koravangala Kaval, to reach a village called "Koravangala" about 2 kms away. We knew the name of the temple, but we couldn't locate it on Google Maps - because we typed in "Bucesvara" (as mentioned in Google) instead of "Bucheshvara".

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161013123042.jpg

Boy, we are glad we didn't give up. What a beaut!

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110641_1_p.jpg

Entering the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110710_1_p.jpg

Inside the temple:

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Sculptures at the exit:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110432_1_p.jpg

A walk around the temple complex:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110252_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110302_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110841_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_110850_p.jpg

Last edited by SmartCat : 13th October 2016 at 14:32.
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Old 13th October 2016, 15:34   #8
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

ARSIKERE

Name: Ishvara Temple
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishvara_Temple,_Arasikere
Distance from Hassan: 45 kms
Location: Around 3 km from Arsikere bus stand/railway station. Arsikere is on Bangalore Shimoga highway
How to get there: Type 'Ishvara Temple' in Google Maps and select 'Shree Ishvara Temple, Arsikere' from the drop-down list.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161013153207.jpg

This temple is quite popular among locals and hence you can expect a few people around. After all, Arsikere is a pretty large town with a modern railway station. Note the unique dome with star-shaped base.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_143055_p.jpg

Inside the temple, there is a sea of supporting pillars:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_144432_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145057_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145237_1_p.jpg

Inside the dome with star base:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145319_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145341_p.jpg

The cone shapes on the roof of the dome are removable! They are put in place by an inter-locking system.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145327_p.jpg

A walk around the temple:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145011_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_145159_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_144837_1_p.jpg

Last edited by SmartCat : 13th October 2016 at 16:27.
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Old 13th October 2016, 19:54   #9
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

HARANHALLI

Name: Chennakeshava Temple or Lakshminarasimha Temple
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshm...le,_Haranhalli
Distance from Hassan: 36 Kms
Location: Off Hassan - Arsikere highway, and just 10 kms from Arsikere.
How to Get There: Type 'Chennakeshava Temple' in Google Maps and select 'SH102, Haranhalli' from the drop-down list.

Tips:

1) Do not type "Haranahalli" (one extra 'a' ). There is a town with that name somewhere else in Karnataka
2) There is another temple a few hundreds metres from this one and is called Someshwara Temple.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somesh...le,_Haranhalli


Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161013195714.jpg

Front view:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_155405_1_p.jpg

Side View:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_155259_1_p.jpg

A walk around the temple on the raised platform:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_155130_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_155157_1_p.jpg

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161009_155220_p.jpg

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We did a very quick darshan and went back to the hotel because the little one was a bit cranky and it was getting late. We could not visit nearby Someshwara Temple either

Last edited by SmartCat : 13th October 2016 at 20:33.
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Old 13th October 2016, 21:03   #10
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

BELAVADI

Name: Veera Narayana Temple
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veera_...mple,_Belavadi
Distance from Hassan: 42 Kms
Location: Off Halebid - Javagal highway.
How to Get There: Type 'Sri Veeranarayana' in Google Maps and select 'Sri Veeranayana Temple, Belavadi' from the drop-down list.

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-screenshot_20161013205818.jpg

Belavadi is one of the most impressive Hoysala temples, both in terms of size and architecture. The main entrance:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124145_1_p.jpg

Check out the size of those pillars!

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124217_1_p.jpg

Exiting the first shrine and looking back:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124353_p.jpg

Front View of the 2nd shrine:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124313_1_p.jpg

Dwaja Sthamba (Flag staff):

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124405_1_p.jpg

View when you look left:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124421_1_p.jpg

And then right:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_124412_p.jpg

A now familiar sight inside large Hoysala temples - lots of pillars:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125153_p.jpg

Not so familiar sight - an intricately carved pillar:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125359_1_p.jpg

Garba Griha (where the idol is placed) on left and right side of the 2nd shrine (lights switched off by the Priest after Aarti)

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125307_1_p.jpg

There is one more idol straight ahead:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125648_1_p.jpg


Ceiling art:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125636_p.jpg

A walk around the temple complex:

Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples-p_20161010_125741_1_p.jpg

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Last edited by SmartCat : 13th October 2016 at 23:15.
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Old 14th October 2016, 11:15   #11
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

JAVAGAL

Name: Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshm...emple,_Javagal
Distance from Hassan: 46 Kms
Location: Assuming you are coming from Hassan/Halebeedu to Javagal, you need to take a right turn just before the small bridge.
How to Get There: Type 'Sri Lakshmi Narasimha' in Google Maps and select 'Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Javagal' from the drop-down list.

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Javagal is this guy's home turf:

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Park the car in front of the temple and go knock-knock-knocking on priest's door :

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Front view:

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Side view. I will remember this shot for a few years because there were a few hundred thorns stuck to my foot.

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Inside the temple:

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A walk around the temple on the platform. My son demonstrating dance style of a sculpture in the 1st pic:

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Last edited by SmartCat : 14th October 2016 at 11:50.
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Old 14th October 2016, 12:08   #12
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

ARAKERE

Name: Channakeshava Temple
Wikipedia link: Not there, but this should help - http://kshanaprabhaa.blogspot.in/201...n-part-36.html
Distance from Hassan: 54 Kms
Location: Get to Javagal via Hassan/Halebeedu. Arakere is just 12 km from Javagal, and 2 km off the Javagal to Banavara highway.
How to Get There: Type 'Channakeshava Temple' in Google Maps and select 'Chennakeshava Temple, Arakere' from the drop-down list.

Caution: There are places called Arakere, Anekere, Arekere, Arsikere etc in Karnataka. There is even a 'Channakeshava temple' in a different place called Anekere. Make sure you pick the right option from the drop-down list.

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Temple approach road and parking area

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The priest comes in only twice a week from a different village, and was not there. However, the keys to the shrine were available with a caretaker. Since there was a small 'photography prohibited' signboard inside, we did not take pics. We had a 'Darshan' and spent some time there. A walk around the temple:

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One of the youngest solo explorers of ancient Hoysala temples:


Last edited by SmartCat : 14th October 2016 at 15:13.
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Old 14th October 2016, 15:29   #13
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

PUSHPAGIRI

Name: Bhairava Temple
Wikipedia link: Not available, but this should help - http://hoysalatemple.blogspot.in/201...ri-hassan.html
Distance from Hassan: 30 Kms
Location: Just 3.5 km from Halebidu, on a hill.
How to Get There: Type 'Pushpagiri Temple' in Google Maps

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To me, this temple looks like it has been 'modernized'. The exterior walls have white paint. The interiors have an old school Hoysala temple look though. Unfortunately, the photographs have come out very grainy (because it was taken after dark) with my smartphone camera. Look up on Google images for more pics.

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Old 14th October 2016, 15:52   #14
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

KONDAJJI

Name: Allalanatha Temple
Wikipedia link: Not available, but this should help - http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/feature...atures2789.htm
Distance from Hassan: 16 Kms
Location: Off Hassan - Halebid highway. There are yellow-board signboards pointing to Kondajji.
How to Get There: Type 'Kondajji' in Google Maps and select 'Kondajji Allalanatha Devalaya' from the dropdown list.

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At Kondajji, you will find only a large 18 foot tall idol of Lord Vishnu - nothing else. Here, devotees are allowed to touch the idol. The story behind this unique place is that the statue was originally meant for a temple in Halebeedu. But the idol was so large that it wouldn't fit inside the temple. So one Ajji (grandma) bought (Konda) the idol and installed it here - hence the name

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I have a few more pics but all of them are grainy/shaky. Do a Google image search for more pics.

Last edited by SmartCat : 14th October 2016 at 15:54.
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Old 14th October 2016, 16:35   #15
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re: Guide to the lesser known Hoysala Era Temples

MOSALE

Name: Nageshwara & Chennakeshava Temple
Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagesh...omplex,_Mosale
Distance from Hassan: 14 Kms
Location: Off Hassan - Mysore highway, 2 km from a town called 'Mosale Hosahalli'.
How to Get There: Type 'Nageshwara' in Google Maps and select 'Nageshwara and Channakeshava Temple, Mosale' from the drop-down list.

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Caution: There is a 'Mosale' near Javagal town too. We wasted 30 mins looking around that place.

At the temple complex:

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Twin temples - Nageshwara on the left and Chennakeshava on the right:

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View from the back:

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We spent close to 1 hour here thanks to an excellent tour of the temple complex by an ASI employee, who happened to be there at that time. No photography inside the shrines though. A walk around the temple:

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Dance moves from Aditya and Aditi:

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Last edited by SmartCat : 14th October 2016 at 16:53.
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