Temple Architecture of Hoyasala Empire

By the 13th century, the power of the Cholas had declined. This was the time for a great and sophisticated culture when marvelous temples were built in Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu. Hoyasala influence was at its zenith during the 13th century and the artists of this empire freely borrowed from the Chalukya and Chola traditions and created a style unique in many ways.  Hoyasala history is clear from the time of King Vishnuvardhana, who ruled from A.D. 1108 to A.D. 1142. Inscriptions show that the king, his wife and his ministers were generous patrons of temples.

Salient Features of the Hoyasala Temples

• The Hoyasala built around 1500 temples at 958 centers between 1000 AD to 1346 AD. The finest temples were commissioned during the times of Vishnuvardhana.
• He was a subordinate to the Western Chalukyas and probably after declaring independence wanted to excel in this art also. This is evident from one of his inscriptions which says “built it from the wealth which he amassed from the sword”.
• The Hoyasala temple architecture was heavily influenced by the Western Chalukyas, Cholas as well as Pallavas, though there was a departure from the Chalukyan style.
• This is evident from the fact that in the beginning, the temples were not over decorated, but the later temples have this feature in almost of its totality.

Examples

Chennakesava Temple, Belur

Vishnuvardhana, who defeated the imperial Cholas in A.D. 1116, in the memory of establishment of his dynasty and this victory, built a temple for Kesava, or Chennakesava, at Belur, and named it the Vijayanarayana temple. The temple is a classic example of the ornate style of temple art under the Hoysalas. They inherited a rich tradition of temple building from the Chalukyas and the Cholas.

Hoysaleshwar Temple, Halebid

Hoysaleshwar Temple was built between A.D. 1121 and A.D. 1160 in the area of Halebid, known then as Dorsamudra, which was the capital of the Hoysalas. It was also built during the reign of Vishnuvardhana. The temple is Dvikuta, means two shrines which are called “Hoysaleswara” and  “Shantaleswara”. Shantala was queen of Vishnuvardhana. The temple is best known for sculptures on the outerwalls.

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura

Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura was built by Soma, a commander of the Narsimha III. It is also one of the finest structures of the Hoyasala architecture.