UNESCO Temples: Hoysaleswara and Chennakasava

Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid, a marvel dating back to the 12th century, is renowned for its magnificent architectural design. Everything is amazingly intricate and all are carved in black soapstone. Soapstone is easy to carve initially, but becomes hardened over time.

One must always remove your shoes in Hindu temples as footwear carries dirt from the outside. It is also a sign of humility, respect, and reverence for the sacred space, symbolizing the shedding of ego and worldly concerns before entering to worship. I can agree with the second half of the statement, but sandal-wearing locals carry all sorts of dirt (cow poop) and germs (foot fungus!) on their bare feet into these sites. I got in trouble carrying my shoes inside in a little sack that I brought. I don't walk well in bare feet, and the stones were hot, although I always put on my well-used temple socks over my shoe socks for some padding. IMO, there is misguided perception of bare feet and cleanliness.

Saris are always so pretty and she was kind to let me take a photo of her.

The interior walls and columns are quite plain, compared to the exterior.

Our tour manager, Pradeep, was very knowledgeable about the deities and stories of the Hindu religion. All the carvings told many stories. (Many went over my head.).

The adjacent Nandi shrine is a place of worship dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull that is the mount and devoted follower of the Hindu god Shiva. 

This 900-year old Nandi (bull) statute is 9 feet tall and made out of a single piece of stone. It is the 6th largest Nandi in India.

Front entry to 12th c. Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva. The Nandi Temple is the structure on the right.

Chennakesava Temple in Belur, is a 12th century Hindu temple that took 103 years to build. It is located near Hoysaleswara (above). It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture and the largest Hindu temple complex that has survived from pre-14th-century Karnata-Dravida tradition. 

Before I even got in the gate, I was surrounded by adorable teens who were visiting the ruins. Don't you love their smiles?! Caucasians often get a lot of attention due to our skin color. (It's like we're the latest monkey in the zoo.) These teens were practicing their English, which was quite good. As it should be, since it is one of the official languages of India.

A gopuram is an ornate, monumental entrance to a Hindu temple.

No doubt about it, the temples are ornate. Following are photos of structures and details on the temple site.