India abounds in monuments that stood the test of time and they never cease to surprise modern man. Perhaps ours is the only country in the world to exploit stone to such an extent to create time defying marvels. Belur and Halebid are two tiny villages in southern Karnataka near the town of Hassan. The beautiful Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid are gems of Indian architecture. This ornamental and detailed sculptural decoration rivals that of Khajuraho and Konark or the best of European Gothic art.

Construction of Chennakesava temple at Belur began in 1116 AD to commemorate the Hoysala's victory over the Cholas at Thalakkad. The construction was going on for over a century. The temple is formed on a star shaped elevated platform. The outer walls of the templeare richly decorated by sculptures carved so intricately that anyone who sees them is rendered breathless. The internal supporting pillars and lintels are very ridhly carved with minute ornamental designs and hence the temple is aptly called "Aparana pettakam", meaning "the Jewel box". in the outer wall at lintel level there are thirty eight beautiful sculptures of "apsaras" in different poses. The sculpture of "The lady with the mirror" is very popular among them.

The other village Halebid lies 16 km away from Belur and it is the place of the beautiful Hoysaleshwara temple. Perhaps this is the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. Virtually every inch of the outside walls and much of the interior is covered with intricate figures of Hindu deities, sages,animals, birds and scenes depicting the life in the Hoysala era. One has to see for himself to realise the supremacy of the art and it is very difficult to bring out the majesty in words.

A WORD FOR SERIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS: Photography is allowed in Belur and Halebid but not with tripods. To use tripods one has to get the permission of the ASI authorities. But with proper light and fairly faster lenses tripods are not needed. A 28-70 and a 70-300 will serve nicely. Using flash on the stone sculptures spoils the pictures and it is better to stay there for a couple of days and shoot in available light. At Belur Hotel Mayura Velapuri run by KSTDC is a nice place to stay at. Direct buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore or one can stay at Hassan and visit these places from there.

Gears used : Nikon F80 and Canon AEI Programme

Lenses: AF Nikkor 28-80 and Cosina 70-210