The renowned Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid, and Somananthpura in Karnataka have been included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala. Just one day after Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan also gained this prestigious accolade, this listing makes it the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.

The temples were chosen as India's official World Heritage nominee for the years 2022–2023. The 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala' have been on the UNESCO Tentative list since April 15, 2014. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has already designated all three of these Hoysala temples as protected monuments.

What is the background and significance of the Hoysala Sacred Ensembles?

The three parts of Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura serve as a representation of the Hoysala holy ensembles built in the 12th and 13th centuries. While the Hoysala temples still have a fundamentally Dravidian morphology, they also show a significant amount of Bhumija style, which is popular in Central India, Nagara traditions, which are found in northern and western India, and Karnataka Dravida modes, which were preferred by the Kalyani Chalukyas.

From the 11th to the 14th centuries, a large portion of southern India was under the control of the Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysala rulers were renowned for their support of the arts, and they constructed several temples and other places of worship while in power.

The three most important Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala

Belur: The Chennakeshava Temple at Belur is the largest and most elaborate of the Hoysala temples. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and it is covered in intricate carvings depicting gods, goddesses, and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Halebidu: The Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu is another impressive Hoysala temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and it is known for its exquisite soapstone carvings.

Somnathapura: The Keshava Temple at Somnathapura is a smaller Hoysala temple, but it is no less impressive than the temples at Belur and Halebidu. It is known for its harmonious proportions and its beautiful carvings.

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala are significant for a number of reasons ?

First, they are some of the most beautiful and intricate examples of Hindu temple architecture in the world. Second, they are a testament to the wealth and power of the Hoysala dynasty. Third, they provide a unique glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the Hoysala people.

The Hoysala Sacred Ensembles are important for a variety of reasons. First of all, they are among the world's most exquisite and elaborate examples of Hindu temple construction. They also serve as a reminder of the Hoysala dynasty's affluence and dominance. Thirdly, they offer a singular window into the Hoysala people's religious and cultural life.

What does a site's inclusion on the World Heritage List mean?

When a nation signs the World cultural Convention and has its sites included to the World Heritage List, according to UNESCO, it frequently results in increased recognition and respect for cultural preservation among both its inhabitants and government. The nation may also use the World Heritage Committee's financial aid and professional advice to support its efforts to protect these priceless monuments.

A location's inclusion on the World Heritage List denotes its exceptional worth to all of humanity. This indicates that the area has extraordinary cultural or ecological value, and that everyone should value its preservation.

World Heritage sites may be blended with natural or cultural elements. Historic landmarks, religious structures, and prehistoric ruins are examples of cultural sites. National parks, wildlife refuges, and geological formations are examples of natural locations. A cultural landscape or a national park containing significant cultural sites are examples of mixed sites, which are locations having both cultural and natural significance.