Nomination of ‘Hoysala Temple Group’ from India for World Heritage Status
Recently “Hoysala temple” have been included as a nomination from India as World Heritage for the year 2022-2023. These temples include those located at Belur, Halebid and Somanathapura in Karnataka.
These sacred group of monuments of “Hoysalas” are in the UNESCO probable list since 2014.
Hoysala Temple Group
- These sacred monuments are situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats. These sacred monuments include Hindu temples, Jain temples, minor structures, intricate sculpture and statues, and artifacts related to temples, dance and music.
- These monuments are important agents in the development of the spiritual beliefs of Vaishnava, Shaivism and Jainism.
- The Chennakeshava Temple (Belur) and the Hoysaleshwara Temple (Halebid) are considered to be masterpieces of Hoysala art.
- The Hoysala rulers ruled the areas around Karnataka from the 11th-13th centuries.
Other Features
- Features of both Nagara and Dravidian styles are found in Hoysala architecture. The most notable examples of Hoysala architecture are the magnificently carved stone temples built in the shape of stars.
- Temples are usually built on a high platform, which is called a “jagati”.
- It provides a path for the devotees to circumambulate the temple. Both open and closed mandapas are found in Hoysala temples. Kalyani or stepped wells are usually found in these structures.
Source – The Hindu
