Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola, Karnataka IN (June 05)

In June of 05, the Saranathan's took a trip to the Hassan district, in the Indian state of Karnataka.


Our first stop was Shravanabelagola, famed for its 10th cent. ~18m Jain statue, one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world.

This is the view from atop the hill of the temple tank or kulam.




This is the ornate 12th cent. AD Hoysaleswara temple in Halebid reflecting the resplendent Hoysala architecture. We were struck by the intricacy of the bas-relief sculptures, although most of them have been effaced through time and by vandals. ASI needs to get its act together. Apparently, the fine for effacing any piece of historical importance is just Rs. 200/- (~5 bucks). This most surely date from the colonial era.


Nandi or the bull steed of Lord Shiva.



mit meine Eltern!




These temples are known for their star-shaped plinth and often depicts scenes from Hindu myth in registers.


Chennakeshawara temple, Belur, 12th cent. AD. Mother is cross!


A bunch of Indian Shags (yep that's what these cormorants are called) roosting!