Hoyesleswara Temple - Halibedu - North karnataka - India

Hoyesleswara Temple - Halibedu - North karnataka - India, originally uploaded by Mithun Kundu.

Hoyesleswara Temple - Halibedu - North karnataka - India

Hoysaleswara temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It was built in Halebidu (in modern Karnataka state) during the Hoysala Empire rule in the 12th century by King Vishnuvardhana. The construction was completed in 1121 CE. During the early 14th century, Halebidu was sacked and looted by Muslim invaders from northern India and the temple fell into a state of ruin and neglect. Previously known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra, Halebidu is 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore, in the state of Karnataka, India.

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Bangalore - Madurai - Rameswaram - Kanyakumari - Bangalore ( 3 Day / 5 Nights)

Day 1- 9 Sept 2010 - Started from Bangalore
Bangalore to Madurai -- 9 Hrs / 460KM - NH7
Road Condition - Excellent
Struck in heavy Bangalore traffic (Common on long weekends due to congestion in Majestic) . At last reached KSRTC bus stop just on time. Our bus was scheduled to start at 10.00 P.M. Bus started bit late but reached Madurai by 7.30A.M. Reached hotel by 8 A.M.
Day 2- 10 Sept 2010 - Spent the day in Madurai

---------Little about Madurai ---------

Madurai is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Indian peninsula.It is an ancient and prestigious city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, situated on the banks of the River Vaigai in Madurai district.
The city is widely known as the Temple City, and is often also referred to as City of four junctions (Koodal Maanagar), Cultural capital of Tamil Nadu (Kalaachaara thalainagar), City of Jasmine (Malligai Maanagar), Sleepless city (Thoonga Nagaram), Athens of the East and The City of Festivals (Thiruvizha nagaram).It is the third largest (was second largest from its origin till 2001) city in Tamil Nadu.
Madurai was the capital city of ancient Southern civilization. Madurai's cultural heritage goes back 2,500 years, and the city has been an important commercial center and has conducted trade as far as Rome and Greece since as early as 550 B.C.E.

-----Starting Journey-----

Started around 9.30A.M. visited lots of temples near & around Madurai.
Weather was cloudy through the journey. Roads are in good condition. So enjoyed a lot.

Alagar Temple 

Another Vaishnav temple Alagar Koil,20 km away from the city located in the nearby hills. At the top of the hill is a natural stream from where the water is carried fresh daily by the temple priest for the Lord. Famous for Chittrai Festival(First Tamil month)/9April-May)-Summer Festival. The Lord is considered the brother of Meenakshi (Lordes Paravathi) given in wedding with Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva).

The temple is very old but maintained well.

Alagar Temple

Alagar Temple

Palamudir solai (hill)Vishnu temple

Madhan Gopal Temple

Gandhi Museum  - was closed due to Holiday

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

This palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swarga-vilasa and Ranga-vilasa. In each of these there are royal residences, theater, shrines, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes.

Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

Ceilling - Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

The portico known as Swarga Vilasam is an arcaded octagon wholly constructed of bricks and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder. The stucco work on its domes and arches is remarkable. The gigantic pillars and structures represent architectural mastery. The courtyard and the dancing hall are central attractions for visitors. There are 248 pillars, each 58 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Furniture and utensils used by the kings is on exhibit inside the palace. The palace is equipped to perform "Light and Sound" shows depicting the story of "Silappathikaram", in both Tamil and English languages. The palace is in Indian films such as Bombay, Iruvar, Guru and Jodi.

Myself Exploring

The Entrance

Indo Saracenic Dravidian Architecture

Mariamman Tank

Once the tank was full of water.That time I can imagine it was pleasure for eye.Now no water. Its became a playground for young stars with lash green field.

-----Break-----

Around 1.30 p.m. we finished morning explore. Now its time for Lunch. Be are of-course very hungry & tired also.
But for people who don't like South Indian lunch will have hard time to find a place where you can eat.
We took rest till 5.00 p.m.
Its time to start again. We have only one destination - the world famous "Meenakshi Amman Temple".

-----Starting Journey-----

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Temple opens 4.30 p.m. at evening & you can visit till 8.00 p.m.
We spent almost 3 hours there. Still feel could have spent several hours more.The temple premises is huge and there is every possibility you can be in dilemma where to go & we came from which side.
We finished puja & brought some memento for parents way back home. Now its time to explore the beauty of the temple.
Weather was not great.It was raining constantly. So, I don't more snaps of the temple.

------Little about Meenakshi Amman Temple ------
 

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில் is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to god Shiva - in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord- and his consort, Parvati in the form of Meenakshi. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high.

Thousand Pillar hall of Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple was built with the oldest Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli as a model. The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or Thousand Pillar Hall contains 985 (instead of 1000) carved pillars. It is considered culturally important and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Thousand Pillared Hall was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569. He was the Prime Minister and General of Viswanatha Nayak of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.). He was also the founder of Poligar System, the quasi-feudal organization of the country, which was divided into multiple palayams or small provinces and each palayam was ruled by a palayakkarar or a petty chief. At the entrance of the Mandapam, we can still see his statue; the majestic pose of Ariyanatha Mudaliar seated on a beautiful horse-back which flanks one side of the entrance to the temple. The statue is still periodically crowned with garlands by modern worshippers. Each pillar is carved and is a monument of the Dravidian sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in the hall where icons, photographs, drawings, and other exhibits of the 1200 years old history are displayed. Just outside this mandapam, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar, when struck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chithirai Festival in mid-April.

-----Break----- 

Around 8.30p.m. we finished dinner. We need rest. Next way we have to cover huge distance & we need to be ready by 7.30 a.m.