Deities in sculptures

The Hoysaleshwara temple is renowned for the over 340 large reliefs depicting deities and events from Hindu theology that run all along the outer walls. Being a Shivite temple, naturally most of the reliefs are of Lord Shiva and other Gods from Shivism such as Ganesha, Parvathi, and Shakthi. However, one can find quite a few sculptures of Vishnu and Brahma too.

In these sculptures, Shiva is portrayed with his iconic Damaru (a small drum), Trishula (trident.) Many of the sculptures of Shiva also have a sculpture of Nandi, the bull, at his feet. Many walls are adorned with Shiva with his consort Parvathi sitting on his left lap.

In the sculpture where Shiva performs the Tandava dance, some fine details are shown such as one hand holding the skull-topped mace, and a serpent in another hand.

The sculpture below portrays Vishnu resting under the seven-headed serpent, Adishesha, who is providing a canopy for his Lord. The details of the serpent, including each scale on its skin is detailed.

Bhairava is a fierce form of Shiva associated with annihilation. Bhairava is also called Dandapani (he who holds the rod ). Bhairava's mount is a dog. In the image below, a dog is seen at the bottom of the sculpture, depicting a naked Bhairava dancing on a demon.