Hassan
Hassan, a town in the Hassan district of Karnataka in South India is of 186 kms travel from Bangalore. It derives its name from the town’s presiding Goddess ‘Hasanamba’. Hassan acts as a gateway to the historic cities of Belur, Halebid, and Shravanabelagola.
Belur, situated 40 km from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi, was the capital of the Hoysala kings 800 years ago. It is famous for the Chennakeshava temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan to celebrate his victory over the Cholas in the year 1116 A.D The sculptures and the intricate carvings that adorn the walls are spell binding. The architecture of the temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship.
30 km from Hassan, Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysala rulers, has temples which exemplify their rich cultural heritage. The most renowned temple is the Hoysaleswara temple, which is incomplete even after taking 86 years to construct it.
Shravanabelagola which is 51km south east of Hassan is the most important Jain pilgrim centre, housing the world’s tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, atop 700 granite steps. Once in 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony is performed in which the 27 m high, 1000year old statue is bathed with milk curd, ghee, saffron and gold coins in the presence of thousands of devotees. A travel to these places where history sleeps and time seems to stand still is an enriching experience.
Belur, situated 40 km from Hassan on the banks of the river Yagachi, was the capital of the Hoysala kings 800 years ago. It is famous for the Chennakeshava temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan to celebrate his victory over the Cholas in the year 1116 A.D The sculptures and the intricate carvings that adorn the walls are spell binding. The architecture of the temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship.
30 km from Hassan, Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysala rulers, has temples which exemplify their rich cultural heritage. The most renowned temple is the Hoysaleswara temple, which is incomplete even after taking 86 years to construct it.
Shravanabelagola which is 51km south east of Hassan is the most important Jain pilgrim centre, housing the world’s tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, atop 700 granite steps. Once in 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony is performed in which the 27 m high, 1000year old statue is bathed with milk curd, ghee, saffron and gold coins in the presence of thousands of devotees. A travel to these places where history sleeps and time seems to stand still is an enriching experience.
