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The
Hoysala Dynasty from the 11th century lasted for two hundred and fifty
years. They developed sculptural and architectural styles, which were
radically different than what were in existence.
It was under Bittiga, better known by his later name Vishnuvardhana that
the Hoysala Dynasty began to take off on a course of their own and it was
during his reign that the distinctive temples at
Belur and
Halebid were built. Typically, these
temples are squat, star shaped structures set on a platform to give them
some height.
They are more human in scale than the soaring temples found else where in
India. Their lack of height is made up by the sheer intricacy of their
sculptures. The temple scheme is repeated in multiples of two and three.
The plinth and sanctum (vimana) are star (stellate) shaped.
A wide
pathway runs around the temple on the outside for ritual circumambulating
(pradakshina). The tower (shikhara) was subdued by horizontal lines and
moldings. It has also miniature sculptured shrines, fretted string courses
and moldings.
The stellate plan of the temple contributed to a greater variety of light
and shade. Every part of these temples exhibits a joyous exuberance of
fancy, scorning mechanical refrain. All that is wild in human faith or
warm in feelings is found portrayed in these temples.
As a monument of the phenomenal concentration, super technical skill,
ingenuity, imagination, and profound religious consciousness of those
concerned in their creation, there is no parallel to these anywhere in the
world.