Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu

Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu is considered the pinnacle of Hoysala architecture and took 86 years to build (1121-1207 CE). The twin-shrined temple dedicated to Shiva (as Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara) features over 340 large relief sculptures along its outer walls, depicting Hindu mythology with extraordinary detail. No two sculptures are alike. The temple was never completed - the unfinished portions reveal the sculptors' techniques. The star-shaped platform, lathe-turned pillars, and the dancing Shiva reliefs are unmatched in Indian temple art.