Hassan: Visitors to the famed Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebeedu at Hassan can now enter the temple from south entrance, instead of the north side.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to close the north entrance and allow visitors to enter through the south entrance which is also known as the ‘Raja Dwara’ (Royal Entrance). The move will allow visitors to first view Ganesh’s idol located at the south entrance, before entering the temple to have darshan of main deities Lord Hoysaleshwara (Shiva) and Shantaleshwara.
At the north entrance, visitors had direct entry to the Temple. The temple was built during the rule of Hoysalas and Halebeedu was their capital.
About the decision to open only the south entrance, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bengaluru Circle, Arun Raj told Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday that “In ancient times, south entrance was used to enter the Temple and the same entrance will be opened for the visitors now. The move would also help in regulating shop-keepers and free the area from vehicular congestion at the north gate.”
Meanwhile, ASI staffers at the Halebeedu Temple said the south path was the royal route to the temple.
