Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu

The Hoysaleshwara temple located in Halebidu is also called as Halebidu temple is a 12 th century temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It is one of the popular largest monuments in Halebidu. 

This temple was built on the banks of a large man-made lake and was budgeted by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. This construction started around 1121 CE and was complete in 1160 CE. 

It is a twin temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingas and has two Nandi shrines outside facing the respective lingas. 

History:

Halebidu was originally called Dorasamudra in its inscriptions, possibly derived from Dvarasamudra in which Dwara means 'gateway' and Samudra means 'ocean or sea'. 

The inscription of the temple shows that king Vishnuvardhana constructed this temple. Also, it shows that king donated lands to support the construction and the maintenance of the Shiva temple.The inscriptions suggest that the capital Dorasamudra contained numerous Hindu & Jain temples along with stepwells, ponds and mantapas in the proximity of the Dorasamudra lake.

The Hoysaleshwara temple has a plan of dvikuta vimana which means plan with two shrines. The two temples are of the same size, and their garbha griha open to the east, facing sunrise. 

How To Reach:

Halebeedu or Halebidu bus stand is located just 150 m away from the temple. You can reach temple by walk from bus stand.