Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas

Why is in news? PM hails inclusion of Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas in UNESCO World Heritage List

The sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, which includes three temples in Karnataka, has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The Hoysala Temples, as they are also known, will be India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient site was part of UNESCO's Tentative list since 2014 and now the global body has decided to inscribe Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas in the World Heritage list.

The Hoysalas temples showcase India's rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Hoysala Temples, built in the 12th and 13 centuries by the Hoysala kings, are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.

The three temples include the Chennakeshava temple, the main temple in the complex at Belur (Hassan district), located at the centre of the traditional settlement which is surrounded by the remnants of a mud fort and a moat; the Hoysaleswara Temple on the banks of Dwarasamudra tank in Halebidu (Hassan district), a town which has many protected and unprotected temples, archaeological ruins and mounds; and the Keshava Temple at the centre of Somanathapura village (Mysore district).

Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala at Belur:

Located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, the Hoysala temples of Belur are renowned for their exquisite architecture and intricate stone carvings.

The temples depict the architectural prowess of the Hoysala dynasty, which ruled over the region between the 10th and 14th centuries.

Chennakesava Temple which is one of the most significant temples was constructed by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century to commemorate his victory over the Cholas.

The other temples part of the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala at Belur are Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, Veeranarayana Temple, and Ranganayaki Temple which are relatively smaller in size than Chennakesava Temple but are famous for their architectural marvel.

Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala at Halebid:

Intricate carvings, finely detailed sculptures, and star-shaped architectural plans are the prime features of Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala at Halebid.

The main Hoysaleswara temple was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the second Kedareshwara Temple showcases remarkable Hoysala architecture and stone carvings.