The architectural resplendence of the great Hoysalas @ Nuggehalli, Hassan

Often it is said that when travel combines with the passion for art & history, it paves way to the best drives. This blog is about one of the best drives, that was an inspiration from a read, and is also one of the less visited places. I chanced upon an article in Prajavani, which lead to the inception of the thought for a weekend drive. Nuggehalli - though the name was neither renowned nor the place. Still we set to explore the beauty of the place. It seemed a perfect Saturday morning when we started our ride, with the glory of the sun, as we waded through the serpentine roads leading to Nugehalli. The place which is almost 140Km from Bengaluru, was a pleasure riding the Hassan -Bengaluru Highway. Enroute, we spotted some of Biking gangs heading for a refresher. After riding for almost 2 hrs, our first pitstop was at Swathi delicacy - just after Yediyur. Although the place was crowded we found a place for our morning Breakfast and continued our journey. The breakfast had its effect on the speed of riding, till Hirisave which is 40Km after Yediyur. After Hirisave we took a right detour and continued for almost 15-20Km- single road which is remote, and just the nature around you. The fresh breeze accompanied by the vast fields of cultivation captures not just your mind but also your heart.

Nuggehalli welcomes you with tranquility and peace. You can find the two gems of the Hoysala architecture - one is Sadashiva temple (which is dedicated to Lord Shiva) and the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Our first visit was to the Sadashiva temple which was resplendent with the uniqueness of the Hoysala architecture. Built on a lotus shaped basement, the temple houses many architectural splendor. The exteriors have been designed with intricate carving, with much detailing even extending till the Gopuram of the temple. One distinguishing factor that one can observe is the Royal emblem of the Hoysalas being carved in the premises.

The main deity – Lord Shiva is placed in the sanctum (Gharbhagudi) and is majestic with all the grandeur. Right opposite to the deity is Lord Nandi. We winded up the visit and started to the Lakshmi Narayana temple which is another major attraction of Nuggehalli. The temple is situated within 0.5km from the Sadashiva temple. During our visit, the mail sanctum was closed for decoration, hence we used the time to walk around the temple and capture some pictures. The beautiful carvings on the temple captivates the mind of any art lover.  Probably, this is the only temple where one can notice the combination of the idols of Natya Ganapati, Natya Saraswati and Natya Lakshmi (Dancing lord Ganesh, Saraswathy and Lakshmi). There is also a famous folklore, which speaks about an architect called Bychoja, who was an excellent architect. Since his competitors perceived him as a threat, it is said that Bychoja started his career and ended it in this temple. In some of the carvings, one can notice his name engraved, and also the place from where he came from - "Nandi" which is near Chikkabalapura. The magnificent carvings of the temple caught my fancy so much, that I visited the carvings 3 times, much to the speculation of my friend who had accompanied me. We worshiped the deity - Lord Krishna and Lord Narasimha and offered pooja to the lord, seeking his blessings. I was filled with a sense of contentment, by this visit, especially with the thought that the temple is well restored and maintained. There is also a Parijatha tree, in the sylvan surrounding of the temple. The wonderful aroma of the flower leaves a nostalgic memory of the graceful temple. Having the Prasadam, provided by the priest, and speaking to the guide, we started our journey back. 

The saying that every destination always reveals a new journey for the new destination was lingering in my mind. The Hoysala Architecture has definitely made me search a new place to be unearthed. 

Continue to explore few photos of the place by visiting the below link 
https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyVasanth/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1743142739231055