Pleach Lens
The Hoysala dynasty’s stunning temples are far more than relics of the past—they are timeless masterpieces of art, architecture, and knowledge. Their intricate designs and stories continue to inspire, reminding us of humanity’s potential for creativity and harmony.
In a world seeking sustainability and meaning, these temples offer valuable lessons, connecting us to a shared heritage that transcends time. Preserving them isn’t just about safeguarding history—it’s about protecting a blueprint for knowledge, beauty, balance, and purpose that can guide present and future generations. Let’s cherish and protect these treasures for our world of today and tomorrow.
In a world seeking sustainability and meaning, these temples offer valuable lessons, connecting us to a shared heritage that transcends time. Preserving them isn’t just about safeguarding history—it’s about protecting a blueprint for knowledge, beauty, balance, and purpose that can guide present and future generations. Let’s cherish and protect these treasures for our world of today and tomorrow.
Before & After
The custodians of the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu, including UNESCO, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state authorities, and heritage conservation groups, are working collaboratively to preserve this remarkable monument.
Threats for Preservation
Conservation Efforts
Then
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple benefits from international recognition and support, emphasizing its significance and the need for meticulous preservation. UNESCO provides guidance on global best practices for conservation, while ASI leads on-ground efforts such as cleaning, restoration, and stabilization of the intricate chloritic schist stone carvings, which are prone to erosion and weathering.
GOLDEN RULES
OF HERITAGE ETIQUETTE
Respect the rules
Carry Your Trash
to the Bin
Look, Don’t Touch
Don’t block others
Don’t deface history
Admire in silence
The Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu has faced significant threats over the centuries, including extensive damage during the 14th-century invasions of Malik Kafur, when its intricate carvings were defaced and treasures looted.
Following the decline of the Hoysala capital, the temple was neglected, leading to further deterioration due to lack of maintenance.
Following the decline of the Hoysala capital, the temple was neglected, leading to further deterioration due to lack of maintenance.
Now
Acts of vandalism, including graffiti and defacement of sculptures, pose a modern threat to the temple. These actions irreversibly damage the temple’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Vandalism and Graffiti
The increasing number of tourists visiting the site often leads to wear and tear of the stone surfaces, with some visitors inadvertently or deliberately causing damage. Lack of proper crowd management exacerbates this issue.
Tourist Pressure
Above all...
the Clock's ticking
Today, as with our lives, ‘Climate change’ is rewriting the fate of our heritage as well. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather now threaten the timeless sculptures and intricate carvings that have endured for so long, at a pace quicker than earlier.
Protecting our environment is about preserving ecosystems which in turn helps in human sustenance along with the legacy created by us for generations to come.
Protecting our environment is about preserving ecosystems which in turn helps in human sustenance along with the legacy created by us for generations to come.
Let us Cherish & Preserve our Heritage!
Please, stop marking me,
for I stand as a guardian
of the past
for I stand as a guardian
of the past
