Shashidhara has been researching and collecting more information on Hoysala temples including Belur and Halebidu and the list in no time grew to almost 1,500.
Published Jan 22, 2025 | 11:51 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 22, 2025 | 11:51 AM
Shashidhara HG. (Supplied)
Did you know that Halebidu in the Hassan district of Karnataka, synonymous with the famous Hoysaleswara temple has around 18 other Hoysala temples? Or the fact that the lone temple tank built by the Hoysalas is located in a tiny village called Hulikere close to Halebidu? Or that the Govindanahalli Panchalingeshwara temple in the Mandya district is the only surviving Hoysala temple with five shrines?
Well, these are just some interesting snippets shared by Shashidhara Hosahalli Govindappa who has documented a whopping 1,500 Hoysala temples in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
This comes as a surprise to many since most people usually think of the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu and the Shri Chennakeshava temple in Somanathpura whenever the term Hoysala temples is mentioned.
Shashidhara HG. (Supplied)
Bengaluru-based Shashidhara works as a data analyst at a private firm and harbours a deep passion for history, architecture and heritage.
“My interest in history and ancient temples took a new turn when I visited the Keshava temple in Somanathapura, Mysuru district. The overall architecture and the ornate carvings on stone were truly awe-inspiring. As I researched the stone inscription installed at the entrance of the temple which described its history, I was inspired to study Hoysala temples in detail” said the 42-year-old.
Since then, Shashidhara started researching and collecting more information on other Hoysala temples including Belur and Halebidu and the list in no time grew to almost 100.
“One of my friends challenged me that he had visited more than 100 temples! This piqued my curiosity further and I took my research more seriously and started reading more historical books on the Hoysala dynasty. To my surprise within a short period, I had key information about more than 500 Hoysala temples” added Shashidhara.
Shashidhara’s primary source of research included the Ephigraphiya Carnatica volumes apart from devouring books related to history and architecture.
His research also revealed that the Hoysala kings not only ruled Karnataka but also major portions of Tamil Nadu and that the present Samayapuram near Srirangam, and Tiruvannamalai and Kundani near Dharmapuri were Hoysala’s capitals in Tamil Nadu.
“Currently, I have a database of 1500 Hoysala temples built in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. I have documented details like the deity’s name, place name, taluk, district and categorisation in terms of Shaiva/Vaishnava/Jaina with Google map coordinates for each of them” said Shashidhara who has a Master in Ancient History and Archaeology from Karnataka State Open University Mysuru apart from his MBA (Finance) degree.
Thenginagatta – Hoysaleshwara temple. (HG Shashidhara)
Even though Shashidhara has visited 500 plus temples to date, he is on a mission to cover the rest of the temples in his database. The starting point for his travels is the map of the place and the list of temples in the said locality.
I use Google Maps and also enlist the help of the locals whenever needed. Once I reach the temple, I take notes on the present condition, architecture, and its distance from the nearest town, study the inscriptions if available and check if the deity is being worshipped, missing or even damaged” mentioned Shashidhara.
Every part of the temple is documented with pictures and all information is published on his social media handles including his Facebook and YouTube channel. He also published pictures on the Hoysala Heritage Album Facebook page.
Shashidhara often initiates conversation and builds rapport with the locals as they are the stakeholders and custodians of the heritage around them.
“Wherever necessary, I pass this information to government authorities like the local Panchayat office, State and Central Archaeology departments in order to get their attention to conserve the monuments” added Shashidhara who has authored two books and written more than 400 articles on Hoysala temples.
Several temples like Hirekadaluru Keshava temple, Dudda Kalleshvara temple and Karagunda Parshvanatha Basadi in Hassan district as well as the Javuru Narayana temple in Chikkamagaluru district have been cleaned up and given a facelift thanks to awareness created by Shashidhara and the efforts of the concerned departments as well local support.
“The departments have also initiated the estimation of budgets for complete renovation in some cases, but since it involves financials and approvals, these things take time,” said Shashidhara.
Needless to mention, his social media posts, lectures, articles and books have inspired several discerning travellers and history lovers to explore these unknown treasures.
Halebeedu – Hoysaleshwara (HG Shashidhara)
With an unwavering commitment towards creating awareness, Shashidhara is resolute in visiting all the temples on his list. However, his work is not without challenges though.
These include navigating poor roads, walking miles in search of the destination, battling bats and snakes in dilapidated temples and even facing sloth bears in hilly regions!
“The unusual challenge I sometimes face from the villagers is convincing them that I have not come in search of an ancient treasure! The fact is that most of the Hoysala temples have already been damaged by treasure hunters! In such situations, I explain to the villagers about my project and convince them to show me around” added Shashidhara.
Shashidhara is the recipient of several awards including the BEL and BSNL Achiever’s Awards, the Banavasi Kannadiga Award and the Kittur Rani Channamma Award.
Apart from research and documentation, he has delivered several lectures and conducted workshops for schools and colleges.
Quiz him about some hidden gems that people can visit and he reels off a big list with some of the major ones being the Hiriyur Kunjeshwara temple and Narasipura Narasimha temple in Hassan district, Kumarabeedu Bembeshwara temple in Mysore district, the Nitturu Shantinatha Basadi, Tumakuru as well as the and the Kacharakanahalli Someshvara in Bangalore district.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
