In Frames: A photo feature on Hoysala-era monuments in Karnataka

A.As you traverse the quiet farmlands of Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru, stand some of Karnataka’s most remarkable but overlooked Hoysala-era monuments – temples and basadis (shrines) that formed the spiritual fabric of a once-thriving medieval kingdom. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, these temples reveal the dynasty’s signature blend of devotion and sculptural mastery that extends far beyond famous sites such as Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura.

Carved from the soft, malleable soapstone favored by Hoysala artisans, the structures rest on star-shaped platforms and contain sacred spaces arranged in ekakuta, dvikuta and trikuta formations. Its walls stretch out like stone tapestries: celestial dancers, intricately encircled columns and friezes filled with epic narratives.

Once a bustling Hoysala outpost, Koravangala is home to three temples built by three brothers. The Nageshwara and Govindeshwara temples (1160 AD) display the early stages of Hoysala craftsmanship. A decade later the architectural pinnacle of the village emerged: the Bucheshwara temple (1173 AD), erected by Buchi in honor of Veera Ballala II. Today, Bucheshwara stands restored, while the old shrines survive in elegant decay.

Long before it was named after fast bowler Javagal Srinath, the village was an important trading center during the reign of King Vira Someshwara. Its jewel is the Lakshminarasimha temple (1250 AD), a striking trikuta temple known for its graceful elephant statues and a gateway from the later Vijayanagara period.

The Lakshmidevi temple at Doddagaddavalli (1114 AD) is among the oldest surviving Hoysala structures. Its sharp lines distinguish it from later ornate creations; The rare Mahakali temple, guarded by skeleton betalas (protector gods), reminds us of ancient tantric traditions. Built by the merchant woman Sahaja Devi, the temple’s plan of four temples dedicated to Lakshmidevi, Shiva, Vishnu and Kali reflects a moment of early Hoysala ambition.

The 12th-century Hulikere Kalyani near Halebidum displays the dynasty’s imagination in aquatic architecture with its stepped well. Built around 1160 AD by Lattayya, an official of Narasimha I, this lake is also steeped in local tradition as the private swimming pool of Queen Shantala Devi.

A short walk from the exuberant Hoysaleshwara temple lies the Jain Basadi complex. Parshvanatha (1133 AD), Shantinatha (1192 AD) and Adinatha Basadis reflect the Jain principles of moderation and clarity.

Together, these sites reveal a complex world beyond the kingdom’s famous temples, where the imagination of the Hoysala continues to whisper through the stones.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Dynastic sign: The Hoysala lanchana, depicting the legendary founder Sala killing a tiger, is carved on top of the Lakshmidevi temple.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Pointed base: Built under the rule of King Vira Someshwara, the 13th-century Chennakeshava temple stands atop a striking raised platform (jagati) in the shape of a 16-pointed star.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Fading glory: The sun’s rays pass through the temples of Koravangala, Nageshwara and Govindeshwara in the Hoysala-era village where three brothers built three shrines.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Tantric trail: Built in 1114 AD, the Lakshmidevi temple stands in stark contrast to the later creations of the dynasty with its highly ornate architecture. Stone-cut towers surround a rare Mahakali temple guarded by skeletal betalas, figures associated with early tantric traditions.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Epic in stone: The walls of the Hoysaleswara temple, a 12th-century Shiva temple, depict a fierce battle between Rama and Ravana.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Divine restraint: A short walk from the ornate Hoysaleswara temple is the Jain complex of Halebidu. Parshvanatha (1133 AD), Shantinatha (1192 AD) and Adinatha temples represent Jain ideals of restraint and contemplative serenity

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Living legacy: Visitors gather at the Hoysaleswara temple, where intricate 12th-century carvings continue to draw crowds even centuries after their creation.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Golden hour glory: Morning light shines on the Veera Narayana temple. Built by King Veera Ballala II around 1200 AD, the temple is famous for its vast ranga-mandapa and uniquely carved elephant rows inside.

Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Enduring wonder: The 13th-century Panchalingeshwara temple, located amidst agricultural fields in the Mandya district, displays a rare Panchakuta design; five east-facing Shiva temples, all set in simple but elegant stonework, aligned in a row and connected by a pillared hall.

It was published – 22 February 2026 08:59 IST