Belur

Indian mythological epics and the related history/stories have no boundaries. It would probably take several decades to compile all of them and several years to read and remember them! There are also several moral stories like that of "The Buddha and Angulimala" which we were taught in school..there are many things to be learned from these historical stories. Hoysalas have provided all of it in the form of a compact(relatively) Belur temple. It stunned me! The intricate work, the depiction of stories from Mahabharatha, Ramayana; Bahubali; charm of Shilabalikas; sculptures conveying message; gods and godesses..and even fashion for that matter! (High heels, hair styles, attire that existed in their era etc) Not even an inch has been left blank on the walls of Belur temple! You name it, they have it! However, some parts are incomplete and many more damaged during attacks.

Darpanasundari(Lady with the mirror)- she and the name itself has fascinated me ever since I came across a stamp on her. Elegance on stone!

This picture below reveals a universal truth: When a man reaches adolescence, the ugliest of women (the sculptor uses a donkey's face in place of a woman's) look gorgeous and sensuous! There is an equivalent saying in kannada as well.(But again..I think Beauty is in the eyes of the person who sees it..it is a matter of perception). Also, I have realized that the persona and inner self of a human being are more important. Each one accepts the happier part of the other person. But, it is also equivalently necessary to accept their vices. Appearance and external beauty remains today, perishes tomorrow. Every decision we make today, we ourselves have to reap tomorrow- good or bad depends on individual's approach in life. There are numerous such minute sculptures that deliver immense reality.

To end this article I would just like to add on that it is necessary to preserve heritage centers like these. Many parts of the temple have been damaged- some by the Mughal attacks and the rest by locals. This sculpture depicting Arjuna's archery skills..to shoot the fish's eye..focusing on the fish's reflection in a pool of water is damaged heavily. Reason- People thought that if they strike the strings of Arjuna's Dhanassu it would give out musical sound similar to that in Hampi! And so...plop! goes his bow!


Superb architecture/craftsmanship and it probably needs a couple of visits to learn and notice all the intricate details of this temple.