Kedareshwara Temple is an ancient shrine, located at
Halebid, in
Hassan District of
Karnataka. It was built by Veeraballala II and his Queen Abhinva Ketala Devi in 1219.
With its intricately carved sculptures, Kedareshwara temple is a classic example of Indian temple architecture. Ferguson – an archeological expert - praised this temple as the ‘Gem of Indian Architecture’. The themes on the sculptured panels of the temple are taken from the Hindu epics. The three super structures on the shrine are noted for its marvelous art work. The star-shaped vimana of smooth stone over the main shrine as well as the doorway add to the charm of the temple. Besides, there is a Navaranga hall within the shrine.
By road, Kedareshwara Temple can be easily reached from Hassan and Belur, as buses ply regularly. Halebid is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.
