Halebidu is a town in Hassan District, Karnataka, India, which was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is renowned for its stunning Hoysala architecture, with the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples being the prime examples. The town earned its name, meaning “old capital,” after it was damaged and abandoned when it was attacked and looted twice by Muslim armies from the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century.
Halebidu is known for its impressive temple complexes, including the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples for Hinduism, as well as Jain temples like Parshvanatha Basadi and Shantinatha Basadi. The town is well connected by road and rail to Hassan and Mysuru and is located close to Belur, which is famous for its Vaishnavite Hindu temples.
best places to visit in Halebidu
Hoysaleswara Temple
The Hoysaleswara Temple, also called the Halebidu Temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument in Halebidu, located in Karnataka, India. The temple is a fine example of Hoysala architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures. It is a significant historical and religious site, showcasing the grandeur of the Hoysala Empire. The temple remains one of the main attractions in the town of Halebidu.
ASI Halebeedu Museum
The ASI Halebeedu Museum displays more than 1,500 relics, sculptures, and inscriptions. These artifacts are presented in both open-air and closed galleries. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region, with many items dating back to the Hoysala Empire. It is an important place for history lovers and those interested in ancient Indian culture. The museum is located near the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu.
Digambar Jain Temple
The Digambar Jain Temple complex in Halebidu consists of three Jain temples dedicated to Tirthankaras Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, and Adinatha. These temples were built in the 12th century during the Hoysala Empire’s reign. Located near the Kedareshwara Temple and Dwarasamudra Lake, the complex is a peaceful pilgrimage site. It is also being proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural and historical significance.
Halebidu Temple
The Halebidu Temple, often referred to as the Hoysaleswara Temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the main attractions in Halebidu and is known for its beautiful stone carvings and intricate design. The temple is a prime example of Hoysala architectural brilliance. Despite the temple’s age, it remains a significant cultural and religious landmark in Karnataka.
Kedareshwara Temple
The Kedareshwara Temple is an early 13th-century Hindu temple built from intricately carved soapstone. The temple features several shrines dedicated to different deities. It showcases the grandeur of Hoysala architecture, with detailed sculptures and unique carvings. Located near the Hoysaleswara Temple, it is an important historical and architectural site. The Kedareshwara Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Indian temples.
Hulikere Tank
Hulikere Tank is a temple tank, a type of reservoir or well built as part of a temple complex. These tanks, known by various names such as pushkarini or kalyani, are found in many ancient Indian temples. The Hulikere Tank is located near Halebidu and adds to the area’s historical significance. These tanks were used for ritualistic purposes and water management. The Hulikere Tank remains an important feature of the Halebidu temple complex.
Shravanabelagola Temple
Shravanabelagola Temple is a prominent Jain pilgrimage site situated between the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills. The town is named after the large tank in the middle, called Belagola. It is known for the towering statue of Lord Bahubali, an important symbol in Jainism. The temple is a place of great religious importance and attracts pilgrims from all over India. It is also a cultural heritage site in Karnataka.
Basadi Halli
Basadi Halli is located about 1 kilometer from the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. It lies between the Hoysaleswara and Kedareshwara Temples. The site is home to three Jain temples dedicated to Parshwanatha Swamy, Adinatha Swamy, and Shantinatha Swamy. These temples were built during the 12th century and reflect the architectural style of the Hoysala period. Basadi Halli is an important site for those interested in Jainism and its history.
best time to visit Halebidu
The best time to visit Halebidu is from October to February. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the temples. The minimum temperature typically stays above 24ºC, with December being the coldest month. While the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise, it may not be the best time for outdoor activities.
