Statue of Nandi at Halebidu, Karnataka

Halebidu was once the capital of the Hosyala Empire and is situated at Hassan district in Karnataka. Here one can find the best examples of Hosyala architecture in the ornate twin Shiva temples - Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. Infront of the Hoysaleshwara is the Nandimantapa. Nandi is the holy bull and the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology. This temple is indeed a masterpiece in design and it attracts visitors from around the world.