Belur
Belur known for the wonderful sculptures and sensuous Shilabalika’s is a famous tourist attraction place and is located in Hassan district in Karnataka . Belur was the early capital of Hoysala empire. This place is known for the best sculptures and the most of its credit goes to the sculptor Jakanachari . I had heard a lot about the place during my school days and had ever hankered to to see the idols sculptured in the various Bhangi (postures).
I finally made it to Belur, Thanks to all my friends who planned this trip and executed it so well. The temple purely depicts the Hoysala architecture. The Belur temples are star shaped like in Somnathpur temples and famous for their exquisite carvings. The temple is squat, flat on the top and set on a platform. It does not have a spire. I really lack the words to explain the temples charm and beauty.
The presence of Garuda Gamba in front of the temple – indicates the God in this temple is worshipped and prayers are offered and is functional. Deepa Gamba to spread the light around. This pillar has a square base , but standing at only 3 points. Perfectly balanced with equilibrium concept. One can slide a paper beneath it to verify the thin gap to the floor.
This temple construction was begun by king Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over Cholas , which was taken to completion after 103 years by his grandson Veera Ballala.
Hoy Sala – Sala saved his Guru by striking (Hoy) the tiger which was seen in the temple premises and hence obtained the name Hoy-Sala .
Hoysalara Lanchana
There were intricate sculptures of King Vishnuvardhana and his grand kids in the front facing wall of the temple. There are many scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana that are carved very neatly, one can quickly read the expression on the face. There are around 42 Shilabalika’s sculptures with different postures – positioned all around the temples and few inside the temple.
Of all , Darpana Sundari – The Balike holding the mirror in her hand, blessed with the beauty – yet she appears very sad is depicted so well. This is compared with another carving of maid holding monkey in right hand and grapes in left hand. But not giving it to the monkey. Monkey seems very upset. We truely need to appreciate the comparison.
Sculptor has engrossed himself so much in the carvings that he has taken care of every minute details in it, like the water droplets from the wet hair of a Shilabalike , the sharp teeth of a monkey holding the saree pallu , bangles moved behind when she has her hands raised and many more . There are many carvings resembling the saree borders, ear ring patterns , nut bolts. He had even depicted the food chain in the carvings.
Jakanachari was truly a perfectionist.It was said that there was a frog in one of the Vishnu idol sculptured by him , for which he gave up his hands.
Most of the sculptures were vandalized by invaders .It was heard – the temples were covered by sand by the local people to prevent it from the intruders vandalizing it.
Also, the sculptor had left a space in the pillar , with an intention that there could be other great sculptor whose work would deserved the slot than his. I really admire this very quality in him.
Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Mohini avataram, hence dressed like a goddess. The form,which he had taken to destroy the evils and to protect the divinity.
We were there until evening . The temple shined at its best in the twilight.
Given a chance, i would love to see Halebeedu also.
