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Hoysala Temples: Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura

25 February 20261 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSHoysala Temples:Belur, Halebidu,Somanathapura25 February 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Three Hoysala temples gained UNESCO status in 2023, and scholars now spotlight lesser-known rural sites in Karnataka.

Key facts

  • Hoysalas are famed for sculptural detail; their temples mark the peak of medieval Deccan architecture.
  • UNESCO listed the ‘Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas’ for artistic achievement, architectural innovation and preserved craftsmanship.
TempleDetails
Hoysaleshwara, HalebiduAbout 1121 CE; commissioned by Ketamalla under Vishnuvardhana; former capital Dorasamudra; twin-shrine Shiva temple; detailed outer walls
Chennakeshava, BelurMarks Vishnuvardhana’s victories; Vishnu (Kesava); bracket figures
Keshava, Somanathapura13th century; symmetrical star-shaped plan; Vaishnava imagery

Lesser-known sites

  • Koravangala temples; Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple.

Exam angle

  • Halebidu is Shiva; Belur is Vishnu; Somanathapura is star-shaped; listing year 2023.

Test yourself

1. In which year were the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The notes say the inscription happened in 2023.

2. The Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebidu is a twin-shrine temple dedicated to which deity?

It is a Shiva temple; Belur's Chennakeshava is for Vishnu.

3. Which Hoysala temple is cited as a perfect example of a symmetrical star-shaped layout?

Somanathapura's Keshava Temple is described as the star-shaped example.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 24 February 2026 (10 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizFebruary 2026

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