LORD HOYALESWARA OF HALEBIDU

THE TEMPLE COMPLEX

The Hoyaleswara is a double shrine. Around it there ate seven friezes of extraordinary artistry and they run to a total length of 710 feet. The first frieze forming the bottom depicts a procession of two thousand richly trapped elephants with riders; the second row bears leogriffs; another above it with intricate scroll work; the fourth is seen with horses and their riders followed by another of scroll band of superb type; next row displays illustrate scenes from the Ramayana in bas-relief, and the top most represents mythical animals and birds like makara and hamsa. These friezes are II feet high and above them are placed the perforated screens surmounted by eaves. This exterior thus sculptured is more artistic than the interior. Hence the saying, "Look at the inside of the Belur temple and the outside of the Halebidu". Legendary personages and Hindu gods are carved in such realistic forms and adornments, visitors raise their hands at their sight involuntarily and feel emanicpated consiously. 

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