Pune to Pune..via Karnataka & Goa (2006)

Halebidu & Belur Chapter

HALEBIDU: We reached Halebid around 2pm. Nice time to visit (not in summers). Parked biked and kept our belongings with one of the local vendor..don’t know why we trusted him. After having a glass full of Tea (that’s the they serve here), we entered in the monument post payment of nominal fees. I was stunned, amazed and very very delighted to see a piece of star on earth..in mid afternoon. It was a black gold piece which was shining proudly from ages. “Wow!” we both gave high five to each other and I just jumped with a joy. Efforts we took, nights we ran …all was worth!!

Halebidu (which was previously called Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. It is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples. Halebidu literally means ruined city. This name is given because this city was ruined two times by Bahmani Sultanate.

Kedareshwara and Hoyasaleshwara deities are still worshiped delightfully. Temple fully sculptured like a Jewel. Kamasutra, Ramayana, Mahabharata stories are told by the stones without words! Hindu Gods and Goddess are carved in various forms. Brahma, Vishu- avatars, Shiva, Durga, Kali, Parvati and Ganesha..these are the gods which are main theme of the design. Gandharvas and Apsaras are putting more beauty and pranaya (love) in the stone.

Though Halebidu was a thrilling and delightful experience but we had to leave. Bikers never stop..they keep running!

From Halebid, we reached to Bellari. Bellari was my main target of the day but we were late. Temple was closed and we were short of a day to stay there. Felt very bad..no issue..! Moved on.

Plan was to cross Goa border and return home at earliest. It was 9 pm but couldn’t had halt. Whole night we were running on the dark village roads. No sign boards, no junctions. Rarely we were able to see any village or hotels. Hilly road was bit tough but Pulsar made it easy with it’s bright headlights and powerful pickup. Dark night, two friends, a bike and old songs..wow..cool and calm life at the speed of 90 km/h 🙂

Some how found a shelter in the form of small bus-stop near to a small village at around 4 am in the morning and we just slept without even thinking about safety, hygiene etc etc….

16th Oct 06: Eyes opened with a bright morning.From last 2 days, we were observing that all the villages/cities are well decorated. There was something due to which every school, public place, public vehicles were decorated. But we were unable to find out the reason as every thing was written in Kannada, local language. It was “Karnataka Day”. We saw a rally by school children. It was colorful and cultural. We became part of the same, danced…I even played their local instrument.