Sri Kedareshwara Temple, Halebidu - Hassan, Karnataka

Experienced: May 2023

Unique Aspects

• The temple is renowned for its incredibly detailed and intricate carvings. The walls are adorned with an extensive array of sculptures depicting various mythological stories, deities, celestial beings, animals, and scenes from daily life.

Kedareshwara Temple, alternatively spelled as "Kedaresvara" or "Kedareshvara," stands as a remarkable testament to Hoysala craftsmanship in the historically significant town of Halebidu, nestled within the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. Situated a brief distance from the renowned Hoysaleswara Temple, this architectural marvel was commissioned by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II (reigning from 1173 to 1220 A.D.) and his consort, Queen Ketaladevi. Dedicated to Ishwara, an epithet for the Hindu deity Shiva, the temple is now safeguarded as a monument of national importance under the vigilant care of the Archaeological Survey of India.

As per art historian Adam Hardy, the construction of Kedareshwara Temple predates 1219 A.D., showcasing exquisite craftsmanship using soapstone. The utilization of soapstone, initially championed by the Western Chalukyas, later evolved into a hallmark of Hoysala architects during the 12th and 13th centuries. Elevated on a jagati platform, ranging five to six feet in height and accessible via a staircase, this architectural feature, as noted by historian Kamath, reflects a distinctive Hoysala innovation. Uncommon in Hoysala temples, the jagati platform not only facilitates circumambulation around the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) but also offers spectators an optimal vantage point to appreciate the intricacies of wall reliefs and sculptures.

The Vimana, or main shrine, follows a star-shaped (stellate) design, featuring two smaller shrines adorned with perforated windows known as Jali, resembling delicate sieves. According to art historian Gerard Foekema, the star-shaped or "staggered square" temple layout is a prevalent characteristic in Hoysala constructions, creating a visually engaging interplay of projections and recesses on the outer walls. Within these architectural elements, Hoysala artisans masterfully incorporated repetitive decorative sculptures and reliefs, collectively referred to as "architectural articulation".

Being a trikuta, a three-shrined structure, Kedareshwara Temple stands as a captivating example of architectural symmetry and religious diversity. In the tradition of trikutas, the central shrine boasts a towering structure, while the lateral shrines discreetly nestle behind the substantial outer walls, seamlessly blending with the grandeur of the hall. This architectural marvel, dedicated to Shaiva traditions (related to the god Shiva), surprises and delights visitors with its ornate friezes and panel reliefs, showcasing tales from both the Shaiva and Vaishnava realms (related to the god Vishnu).

Linking the three sanctums is a central hall with a distinctive "staggered square" (indented) design, creating an intriguing spatial arrangement. Individual vestibules known as sukanasi gracefully connect each shrine to the central hall, allowing a seamless flow of energy and devotees. A porch gracefully bridges the central hall to the elevated platform, creating a harmonious transition.

The temple's base, known as adhisthana, enveloping the shared hall and the flanking shrines, boasts intricate mouldings. Each moulding is adorned with friezes in relief, narrating captivating stories from Hindu lore (purana) and portraying a fascinating "horizontal treatment," as described by historian Kamath. These depictions include vibrant scenes featuring animals and episodes from mythology, providing a visual feast for those exploring the temple's exterior.

Despite the absence of the deity images within the sanctums and the loss of the superstructure over the shrines, Kedareshwara Temple retains its allure. Notable sculptures, such as the dynamic Bhairava (a form of Shiva), the iconic scene of Govardhana (the god Krishna lifting a mountain), the divine Vishnu as Varadaraja, and an evocative huntress, add a layer of cultural richness to this ancient site, inviting contemplation and appreciation for the artistic legacy it holds.

Location

Situated within a kilometer of the globally renowned Hoysaleshwar Temple lies another gem of Hoysala architecture — the Kedareshwara Temple in Halibedu. The Hoysaleswara Temple, alternatively known as Halebidu, Halebeedu, Halebid, or Dorasamudra, is located in the town of Halebidu in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. Positioned approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Hassan, the temple is also about 16 kilometers from the renowned Belur temples. While Halebidu doesn't have its own airport, it is conveniently accessible, situated about 210 kilometers west of Bengaluru. The journey takes approximately 4 hours by car, with easy access through a four-lane NH75 highway passing through Hassan. For those preferring train travel, Halebidu is connected to the railway network at Hassan, providing transportation to major cities in Karnataka.

Address

Sri Kedareshwara Temple,
Halebidu,
Hassan Region,
Karnataka,
India, Pincode: 573121.