A Tapestry of Wonder

These photos mark the third and last set from my trip to the Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu. 

While grappling with the narratives behind the intricate  sculptures proved challenging, the wonder that accompanied each revelation made the journey all the more worthwhile.

Here are the links to the preceding two parts for your convenience.

Part 1: Mesmerizing sculptures of Halebidu

Part 2: Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

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The portrayal of Brahma, who is specifically associated with creation. 

Note the intricate details, particularly of Kumbham (water vessel) and  ornate jewelry adorning him. 

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The portrayal of Mahadeva in his fierce form, performing the tandava dance on a demon, is truly awe-inspiring. 

The level of detail and execution in this sculpture is unbelievably remarkable. 

Shiva is depicted with 14 arms, each holding a specific weapon, and the expressions on his face vividly convey his anger (krodha).

During this dance, Nataraja suppressed Apasmāra by crushing him with his right foot. 

As Apasmāra is one of the few demons destined to immortality, it is believed that Lord Shiva forever remains in his Nataraja form suppressing Apasmāra for eternity.

Nataraja's right foot is planted squarely on a horrible little subhuman creature - the demon, Apasmāra. A dwarf, but immensely powerful in his malignity, Apasmāra is the embodiment of ignorance, the manifestation of greedy, possessive selfhood. 

Stamp on him, break his back! And that's precisely what Nataraja is doing. Trampling the little monster down under his right foot. 

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Pay close attention to the intricately carved robe of the shilabalika, delicately depicted above her knees. The level of craftsmanship is so remarkable that the robe is separate from the main sculpture, creating the illusion of a real dress adorning her.

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Take a close look at the Ganesha statue. Notice the beautiful ornaments and headgear. Also, observe the axe and Ganesha's neatly manicured nails. 

Ganesha is a widely revered deity in Hinduism. He is known as the elephant-headed god and is associated with wisdom, intelligence, and the removal of obstacles. 

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Another captivating depiction of a shilabalika, a celestial nymph, portrayed in a voluptuous pose. 

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Gajasurasamharamurthy is a depiction of Lord Shiva in a fierce and powerful form. 

In this representation, Shiva tears apart the demon Gajasura, who had taken the form of an elephant.

 He triumphantly raises the elephant hide and dances atop Gajasura's head, accompanied by musicians and his faithful companion, Nandi. 

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In Hindu mythology, there is a story about the god Shiva entering a deep cosmic sleep after the death of his wife, Sati.

 This caused a disturbance in the universe, and everything was out of balance. At the same time, a snake named Vasuki, who had been cursed to live in the underworld, came out to pay respects to Sati and take care of her remains.

Seeing an opportunity to awaken Shiva, the god Vishnu ordered his eagle-like mount, Garuda, who was known for being the enemy of snakes, to attack Vasuki. 

Garuda fought with Vasuki and defeated him, causing Vasuki great pain. In his agony, Vasuki cried out Shiva's name.

Upon hearing Vasuki's cry, Shiva woke up from his cosmic sleep and came to Vasuki's rescue. He fought against Garuda, and Vishnu came to Garuda's aid. 

The battle between Shiva and Vishnu ensued, showcasing their divine powers.

With Shiva back in action, the universe regained its balance, and darkness was replaced with light.

Shiva realized that Vishnu had orchestrated this plan to awaken him and appreciated Vasuki's role in the process. As a result, Shiva blessed Vasuki and made him a sacred necklace, symbolizing their connection and unity.

This story highlights the themes of divine intervention, cosmic balance, and the interplay of different deities in Hindu mythology.

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This sculpture presents a striking portrayal of a woman archer who captivates with her unique conch-shaped bun hairstyle and fashionable earrings. 

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This Nandi (Shiva's sacred bull) sculpture, carved from a single rock, holds a significant place in the temple complex.

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The artwork on the outer walls of the temple is organized into distinct bands, each depicting a unique theme. The bands are as follows:

1. Playful elephants marching in a joyful procession.

2. Majestic lions portrayed with regal grandeur.

3. Delicate and slender miniature scrolls.

4. Horsemen captured in various dynamic postures.

5. Another section featuring thin miniature scrolls.

6. Intricate friezes illustrating legendary tales from Hindu texts.

7. Makaras, mythical creatures blending elements of land and sea.

8. Graceful depictions of hamsa (swans) and peacocks.

9. Scenes depicting professionals and everyday life, with alternating standing and sitting figures.

10. Imagery of mythical creatures, festivals, and ceremonies.

11. Depictions of artha (material prosperity), kama (sensual pleasure), and dharma (moral duty), including courtship and maithuna (eroticism and love), as well as various occupations and some mythical scenes.

12. Large image panels showcasing deities and spiritual stories derived from Hindu texts.

In summary, the outer walls of the temple are adorned with a rich tapestry of art, encompassing diverse subjects ranging from animals and everyday life to mythology and spirituality.

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The presence of erotic art on temple walls often sparks curiosity and puzzles tourists. The explicit nature of these artworks can generate intrigue and raise questions about their significance and placement within a religious context. 

Scholars connect the erotic art to Tantric practices, which involve the union of male and female energies known as Maithuna. Tantric traditions view sexual energy as a powerful force for spiritual growth. 

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The southern entrance of the Hoysaleshwara Temple serves as the main entry point for devotees and visitors to explore the interior of the temple. It provides access to the sacred space where worshippers can engage in prayers, rituals, and seek blessings.

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Some more photos of the exteriors of the temple.

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While the exteriors of the temple are adorned with intricate sculptures, the interiors maintain a relatively simpler aesthetic, with the exception of the stunning ceiling art. 

The focus of artistic embellishment shifts towards the upper realms, where the ceiling becomes a canvas for exquisite artwork. 

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The ceilings feature intricate stone carvings, but unfortunately, many of them have been vandalized by Muslim invaders during the 14th century and later.

I try my best to interpret the stories behind the carvings. Some of them are too damaged to be interpreted.

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Ashtadikpalakas, the eight celestial guardians surrounding Shiva.

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There is a remarkable carving depicting Ugra Narasimha, who is shown bravely slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu.

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The ceiling hosts a panel featuring the centerpiece of God Ganesha, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship in each individual panel. It truly is an awe-inspiring masterpiece!

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I am unable to decipher the meaning behind this extensively damaged ceiling art; the level of destruction makes it extremely challenging to interpret.

Despite the defacement of the figures in this ceiling art, the surrounding mandala art remains breathtakingly beautiful.

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Yet another intricately designed ceiling features Shiva at its center, serving as a captivating focal point.

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Adorning the ceiling is a remarkable depiction of the Ashwamedh ritual. Ashwamedh Yagna, also known as the Ashwamedha or Horse Sacrifice, is a significant ritual in ancient Hinduism. 

In the Ashwamedh Yagna, a royal horse is released to freely roam for a year under the protection of the king. If the horse remains unchallenged and roams without any hindrance across different territories, it signifies the king's dominance and control over those lands. 

However, if the horse is stopped or challenged by any ruler, it leads to a war or battle between the kingdoms. 

In the Ramayana, the Ashwamedh Yagna is performed by Lord Rama, the central character of the epic, after his victorious return to Ayodhya. 

The yagna is conducted as a means to establish Rama's reign and reinforce his legitimacy as the rightful king. 

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A statue of a madanika dancing girl gracefully adorns the ceiling, positioned atop a pillar.

It seems that there were numerous madanikas originally placed on the pillars, but unfortunately, many of them are now damaged or missing due to vandalism and looting.

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Standing proudly in its adorned glory, a pillar of exquisite decoration catches the eye. 

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A floral ceiling...

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The Shiva Nataraja pose is a captivating centerpiece of the sculpture on the ceiling. In this iconic depiction, Shiva is portrayed as the divine dancer, surrounded by intricate motifs and figures. 

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The center of the ceiling sculpture features an enchanting scene where Indra and Indrani, mounted on the celestial elephant Airavat, attempt to retrieve the revered Parijatha tree from Krishna.

 Surrounding this central depiction, a multitude of Krishna Leelas, or divine plays of Krishna, come to life in intricate carvings and motifs.

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Some play of sun rays and light...

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As we bid adieu to the enchanting Hoysaleshwara temple, let me recap my visit. 

Exploring its hallowed grounds has been a journey filled with awe and wonder. From the intricate sculptures telling ancient tales to the celestial nymphs and divine deities, every corner exudes artistic brilliance. 

Please find below the links to all three parts for your convenience:

Part 1: Mesmerizing sculptures of Halebidu

Part 2: Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

Part 3: A Tapestry of Wonder

Feel free to explore each part and immerse yourself in the captivating journey through the Hoysaleshwara temple. Enjoy!

I hope you have savored this virtual expedition as much as I did. Now, I eagerly await your reflections, so kindly share your thoughts with me.

Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

Picking up where we left off in the previous blog post, let me now unveil more from the captivating array of sculptures discovered during my immersive visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. 

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Each step within the sacred premises revealed a treasure trove of artistic marvels, transporting me to a realm where gods and goddesses materialized in stone. 

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The sculptures are not only beautiful, but they also tell a story. They tell the story of the Hoysala Empire, a powerful kingdom that ruled over much of southern India in the 12th century. They tell the story of the Hindu faith, and the importance of art and spirituality in Hindu culture. 

Come join me as my imagination dances amidst the tapestry of Hindu mythology and ancient tales that enshroud each creation. 

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The sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi with wealth flowing from her palm serves as a visual representation of the Hindu belief that worshiping and honoring the goddess brings fortune and prosperity to one's life. 

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The original sculpture of Goddess Saraswati, depicting her playing the Veena with her limbs intact, would have been a captivating portrayal. 

Although the upper part of the Veena, which connects the strings to the resonator, remains intact, it is deeply distressing to see the mutilated state of the rest of the Veena and the limbs of the sculpture. 

It would have been preferable if the Muslim invaders had exercised their judgment and refrained from defacing these valuable works of art. If the sight of idols was offensive to them, they could have chosen to respectfully cover them with a veil, at the very least.

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The sculpture portrays a beautiful scene of Shilabalikas under a tree. Shilabalikas, also known as celestial maidens or celestial nymphs, are mythological figures commonly depicted in Indian temple art.  

One figure stands out as she cradles an infant in her arms. This particular portrayal adds a touch of maternal tenderness and nurturance to the scene.

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Shiva and Parvati seated on Nandi, the sacred bull. 

According to an intriguing legend associated with this sculpture, Nandi, who is considered a devoted devotee of Lord Shiva, did not initially accept Parvati riding on him. 

Nandi believed that only Shiva was worthy of sitting atop him, and he sought to make Parvati uncomfortable.

As a result, the sculptor cleverly depicted Nandi's stride in a slightly different manner that creates a slight discomfort for Parvati. 

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A scene of musicians performing for Lord Shiva. 

In this intricate artwork, musicians are shown playing various musical instruments to entertain and please the divine presence of Shiva. 

Notice how intricately the tuning rope around the drum is carved and the fingers passing under the rope.

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The sculpture portrays Lord Shiva in a dynamic dancing pose known as Nataraja.

In this depiction, Lord Shiva is shown with multiple arms adorned with various weapons, engaged in a rhythmic dance. 

His left foot is raised gracefully, while his right foot firmly presses down upon a defeated demon.

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The sculpture depicts the powerful and awe-inspiring scene of Lord Vishnu's avatar, Narasimha, slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu. 

Narasimha is shown in a half-man and half-lion form, emerging ferociously from a pillar or column. 

 The depiction captures the intense moment of his encounter with Hiranyakashipu, who was a tyrannical demon king. 

The sculpture is quite violent. You can notice on the left, eye balls are attached to the ripped portion of a demon's face. It's pretty gruesome.

Also see how Narasimha is using his leg to lock the shield held by Hiranyakashipu.

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There are many sculptures depicting  different stages of Hiranyakashipu's disembowelment. Here's one.

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The sculpture portrays the powerful and iconic depiction of Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura.  

Durga is depicted with multiple arms, each holding a different weapon. One of her arms pierces the chest of a soldier with a trident, while simultaneously, another hand deftly retrieves an arrow from her quiver, preparing to deliver the decisive and final strike to the buffalo demon. 

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In this striking sculpture, an intense and fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva is depicted as he dances atop a vanquished demon.

Among the weapons held by Shiva, a notable one is a skull staff, entwined by a snake. In the upper right of the photo, Lord Shiva can be seen piercing a small adversary with his trident.

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Vamana, dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu, where he approaches King Bali to request land that he can cover in three strides. 

Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana form, stands before King Bali with a gentle and yet determined demeanor. 

To the lower right of the sculpture, Shukracharya, the sage and advisor to King Bali, can be seen. He dissuades Bali from granting Vamana's request, recognizing the true identity of Vamana as Lord Vishnu and understanding the implications of fulfilling his wish.

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The sculpture depicts a moment from the Vamana-Mahabali legend, showcasing Lord Vishnu in his Trivikrama form. 

In this scene, Lord Vishnu, as Vamana, takes one of his three momentous steps. 

To the left of the sculpture stands Mahabali, the generous and noble demon king, with folded hands, acknowledging the divinity of Lord Vishnu. 

Lord Vishnu raises his foot in the step, symbolically reaching the heavens, represented symbolically by Brahma, the three-headed creator deity.

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Natya Saraswati, represents the divine aspect of Goddess Saraswati associated with the performing arts, specifically dance and music. 

Unlike the traditional depictions of Saraswati with a veena, Natya Saraswati is often portrayed holding various weapons. Notice her vahan (vehicle) - beautifully carved hamsa (swan) below. 

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The arrangement of the figurines in close proximity to each other showcases the remarkable optimization of space in the artistic display.

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The next three sculptures beautifully portray the epic battle between Lord Krishna, also known as Shri Hari, and Lord Indra over the celestial Parijat tree. 

The story behind this battle is rooted in the desire of Satyabhama, Krishna's consort, to possess the divine Parijat tree and Krishna's decision to fulfill her wish while imparting a lesson to Indra.

Lord Krishna riding to Earth while holding the sacred Parijata tree. Krishna's appearance shows his readiness for battle, and Garuda, his celestial mount, is also prepared to launch weapons.

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Following Krishna's descent to Earth with the Parijata tree, the divine couple, Indra and Indrani, riding atop the celestial elephant Airavata follows him. 

Notice the elephant with its tail held high, charging forward in full motion and Indrani is suspended in the air taking the bumpy ride.

Both Indra and Indrani are shown wielding the powerful Vajra, a thunderbolt-like weapon associated with Indra's might.

Indra is eventually defeated, and the Parijata tree remains on Earth.

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The poignant tale of Gajendra Moksham, where Lord Vishnu, also known as Shri Hari, comes to the rescue of Gajendra, a devoted elephant, when he is attacked by a crocodile. 

The sculptures beautifully capture the key moments of this divine intervention. 

As Hari approaches riding on Garuda, the elephant welcomes him by offering a lotus. 

With a single strike of the chakra(divine discus), he defeats the crocodile, freeing Gajendra from its grip.

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The performance of Ananda Tandava(joyful dance) by Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) is a captivating sight to behold. 

It's carved from a single stone and every tiny detail, from Shiva's features, skull shaft with snake crawling on it, the intricate waste-band to the musicians, is simply marvelous. 

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The sculpture of Visha Kanya, or "The Poison Girl". 

Vishakanyas are often portrayed as young attractive women who have been exposed to toxic substances or venom from a young age, rendering their bodies poisonous.

According to legends, their touch or presence can be lethal. 

In this particular portrayal, she is shown in a nude, voluptuous form with her legs chained by a serpent that coils around her and extends all the way up to her right shoulder. 

Notice the fashionable footwear and hairstyle depicted in the carving. 

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An ensemble of musicians and dancers. 

In my opinion, the sculpture on the right is the best portrayal of a dancer caught in the middle of a performance. 

The intricate hand gestures, feet position, elegant posture, and captivating jewelry are truly mesmerizing. 

It's as if the dancer suddenly turned to face the audience and got immortalized in stone, preserving that moment forever. 

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Towards the right side, there is a carving portraying a foreigner. 

The foreigner is depicted with distinct clothing and hairstyles that differ from traditional Indian attire. 

The figure might represent a trader or emissary who visited the Hoysala court.  

Notice that the foreigner is depicted without shoes, which is a common Indian practice indoors. This suggests that the foreigner respected and adhered to the local customs during the visits to the Hoysala court.

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Goddess Chamunda Devi, also known as Matrika, represents one of the most fearsome forms of Devi, the Supreme Goddess. 

She embodies the female energy of Yama, the God of Death. 

Unlike the other Matrikas who are considered energies of male divinities, Devi Chamunda is believed to have emerged directly from and embodies the energy of the Supreme Goddess, rather than being associated with a male deity.

While the other Matrikas resemble their male counterparts in appearance, mounts, and weapons they carry, Chamunda Devi enjoys her own independence. 

She is the only Matrika who is worshipped individually, while the others are mostly worshipped together. 

Devi Chamunda is associated with demanding animal and human sacrifices, as well as the consumption of liquor. She is also considered as the chief yogini.

The iconography of Devi Chamunda is a testament to the practices and beliefs prevalent in Tantrism during a certain period. 

Her sculpture features four arms and three eyes. She is depicted with a fiery red complexion, adorned with abundant thick red hair that resembles flames, with snakes protruding and coiling upwards. Her hair is tied in a chignon adorned with a tiara of skulls and a crescent moon.

Devi Chamunda's eyes are prominent and menacing, as if capable of burning evil through her gaze. 

She wears a necklace of snakes, their coils echoing the rings of decaying flesh. 

Sculpted with sagging flesh beneath her collar bone, she wears a mundmala, a garland of human skulls, as a sacred thread. 

Her body appears withered and emaciated, instilling fear and horror with her protruding ribs, veins, and shriveled, sunken breasts.

The expressions on Devi Chamunda's face are frightening, with tusks protruding from the corners of her mouth. 

She wears Kundala, earrings made of conch shells, while her elongated earlobes rest on her shoulders. A terrifying grin adorns her broad face. 

She is often accompanied by Preta (spirits of the departed) and ghosts.

The carving of Devi Chamunda depicts her holding various symbolic objects, including a Damaru (drum), trishul (trident), sword, snake, skull-mace (khatvanga), thunderbolt, severed head, and either a panapatra (drinking vessel) or skull-cup (kapala) filled with blood. 

These objects represent her powers and attributes associated with her fierce and formidable nature.

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Let me introduce you to Bhikshatana Bhairava, a unique figure that combines the fierce form of Shiva-Bhairava with the calmness of a monk Bhikshatana.

In this depiction, you can spot the monk's sandals, while Bhairava is represented by forked teeth, a garland made of skulls, and a severed head.

Interestingly, in the lower right corner, there's a ghoul, breast feeding her child while looking up lovingly at Bhikshatana Bhairava. It's truly a fascinating mix of contrasting elements and a heartwarming moment of motherhood in the divine realm!

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Ravananugraha is a compassionate form of the Hindu deity Shiva. 

In this depiction, Shiva is seated on his sacred abode, Mount Kailash, alongside his consort Parvati. Meanwhile, the ten-headed demon-king Ravana of Lanka endeavors to uproot the mountain. 

According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana once attempted to lift Mount Kailash, but Shiva effortlessly pressed the mountain back into place with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath it.

Ravana gave a loud cry in pain. Since Ravana cried, he was given the name "Ravana" – one who cried.

During his thousand-year-long captivity, Ravana sang hymns praising Shiva, who eventually bestowed his blessings upon him. 

As a gesture of benevolence, Shiva granted Ravana an invincible sword and a powerful linga, which is Shiva's symbolic representation, known as the Atmalinga, for him to worship.

The depiction of Mount Kailash is absolutely stunning! The structure is a four-tiered pyramid. It's filled with lots of attendants called ganas and lush plants covering different parts of the mountain. 

In the sculpture, we can see Mahadeva(Shiva), pulling Devi (Goddess Parvati) close to provide comfort. Ravana's feet are firmly pressed against the ground, exerting great effort to lift the heavy weight.

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Who are the sculptors?

The temple artwork panels feature signatures or statements by the artists or their guilds. 

There are recurring names of artists such as Manibalaki, Mabala, Ballana, Bochana, Ketana, Bama, Balaki, and Revoja. 

These artists, who were nearly forgotten by history, remain unknown unless one pays meticulous attention to the pedestals. 

The Hoysaleswara Temple sculptures are a testament to the skill, dedication, and creativity of these artists who created them. 

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I have more sculptures to share in my next blog post. Don't forget to comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Please find below the links to all three parts for your convenience:

Part 1: Mesmerizing sculptures of Halebidu

Part 2: Unraveling the Stories Behind Hoysaleswara Sculptures

Part 3: A Tapestry of Wonder

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