This time the journey is with two expatriate friends. Jitendretan and Sanoj. We left Kozhikode at 6 am. Via Kannur to Belur, the capital of the Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka. There is 370 km. As it is the month of July, the weather is generally good. As it is morning, the road is less crowded. Journey through the villages of Karnataka.
A journey that tells all the experiences of exile life and the features of the country.
I didn’t know how much time had passed during the conversation. We reached Chennakeshava temple at 1.20 pm. I don’t know if it’s because it’s afternoon, it’s generally less crowded.
Chennakesava Temple The first thing that can be seen is the large temple gate surrounded by walls. Shoes should be removed outside. As it is noon, the stones on the ground are very hot. The heat of the stone was not a problem for me when I came to see the place that had entered my mind after watching it on YouTube and reading it in the travel group.
When we enter inside, we can see the carvings in a way that leaves our eyes. It is amazing how they could carve this in stone in the olden days, even without modern technology like today. Even small stones are carved with human figures, birds, and animals. Pillars carved in single stone are no escape. I did not forget to capture these beautiful sights here on camera. After seeing the entire temple complex to our heart’s content, we returned.
To Halebidu
Located 17 km away from Chennakeshava Temple. Another wonder made in stone. There is no escape from death. Star-shaped floor. It is a temple complex with eight different tiers. Even the smallest idols have indescribable beauty. This is Halebidu. One can also see a Nandi sculpture carved in stone. We can see the attack of the new generation of anti-socials in the stone sculpture of Nandi. It is the duty of each and every one of us to preserve such wonderful historical places of olden times.
Chennakeshava Temple, and Halebidu; are located 17 km apart. These are the places that are included in the UNESCO list. The Hoysala architect’s excellence is indescribable. Guide assistance is available at both places. It will be very helpful to get historical knowledge and details of each sculpture. It is sad news that most parts of the temple have been destroyed. Those who tried to destroy such a beautiful stonework of man will never deserve forgiveness.
A Jain temple is located half a kilometer away from Halebidu. A small temple similar to Halebidu can also be seen near it. Both are deserted. We returned after seeing all this in the evening.
The next destination is Chitradurga and Hampi in Karnataka.
