Hoyasala style of temple architecture

(Relevant for Historical section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)

Hoysala architecture

Hoysala architecture represents the architectural style developed during the reign of the Hoysala Empire from the 11th to the 14th centuries, primarily concentrated in the southern region of Karnataka.

The Hoysalas ingeniously amalgamated the Vesara and Dravida architectural styles, giving rise to a distinctive Hoysala style.

This unique style is characterized by several significant elements, including:

A platform fashioned in the shape of a star.

• The jagati encircling the temple, serving as an open pradakshinapatha for circumambulation.
• Polished pillars adorned with a diverse array of designs.
• Intricate carvings and exquisitely crafted madanika figures.
• Vimana (shikara) in a pyramidical form.
• Most of their temples are designed in the Bhumija style, featuring miniature shikaras intricately carved onto the outer walls of the temple.

Hoysala temples are often referred to as hybrid or vesara due to their distinctive style, which falls somewhere between the Dravida and Nagara styles, displaying elements of both.

In contrast to the conventional design of a single inner chamber alongside a pillared hall, Hoysala temples feature a unique arrangement with multiple shrines clustered around a central pillared hall. This arrangement takes on the form of a meticulously designed star pattern.

The most prominent hallmark of these temples lies in their intricate complexity. The temples’ architecture evolves from a simple square design into a highly intricate layout with numerous projecting angles. This intricate pattern creates a star-like appearance, giving rise to the term “stellate-plan.”

Crafted from soapstone, a relatively softer material, these temples exhibit remarkably detailed sculptural work. This is particularly evident in the intricate jewelry adorning the temple walls and the sculptures of deities.

Distinguishing themselves from other medieval temples, Hoysala temples stand out for their distinctive star-shaped ground plans and the abundance of decorative carvings that embellish their structures.

Among the renowned examples of Hoysala temples are the Hoysaleshvara Temple (Lord of the Hoysalas) in Halebid, Karnataka, constructed in dark schist stone by a Hoysala king in 1150. Another notable temple is the Chennakeshava Temple in Somnathpura, Karnataka, built around AD 1268 during the rule of Narasimha III. Additionally, the Kesava Temple in Belur, located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, was built by Vishnuvardhana and remains a prominent illustration of this architectural style.

Example Lakshmi Narsimha Temple

• Constructed in the early 13th century under the Hoysala dynasty’s reign, the temple showcases remarkable architectural achievements.
• Designed in the ‘Trikuta’ style, the temple features a unique arrangement of three shrines, each devoted to Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopalaswamy, and Purushothama.
• Elaborate and intricate carvings in the distinctive Hoysala style adorn the outer walls of the temple, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.
• The raised platform, also known as the jagati, is covered with concrete flooring and serves as a pathway for devotees to perform pradakshina, the act of circumambulation around the temple.

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