Halasi is an ancient town in Karnataka. It was the second capital city of the Banavasi Kadambas. Halasi is situated in the background of Western Ghats filled with lush green atmosphere. This place was known as Palashi, Palashika, Halasige as per the various inscriptions found here.
Halasi flourished under these two dynasties – Banavasi Kadambas and Goa Kadambas; it remained as an important cultural site back then. Halasi is a town in Khanapur Taluk, in the Belgaum District in the states of Karnataka. It is situated 14 km from Khanapur and about 25 km from Kittur. The town is rich in historical monuments and temples. It is located at 42 kms from Belgaum.
Today this town lives in oblivion and has lost all its ancient sheen. Seven copper plates of the Kadamba dynasty were found here which have been dated back to the fourth century, thus making Halasi one of the oldest towns of this region. There are many other inscriptions found here belonging to the later kings.
The History of Sri Kshetra Halasi
During the rule of Kadamba Kingdom in between fifth to tenth century, they built a temple in this place called Palashika Kshetra. The Halasi is the apabhransha of Palasika. The region was dense forest before the temple was built here.
The original temple built was dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The lord here is depicted with two hands in yogic postures, and it is believed that this deity is a Swayambhu or self-manifested. The Bala-Narasimha Murthy now seen in the temple was the first deity manifested in the forest.
According to the priests, there was also a Ugra Narasimha Saligrama along with Udbhava Narasimha. The Saligrama is now housed in the Tulasi Brindavan. The inscriptions of 1169 AD found here registers the construction of this temple and installation of the deity.
The temple is about one thousand years old and has two main shrines. Yoga Narayana Murthy sitting on the Padmasana with Lord Udbhava Narasimha Murthy in the same garbhagriha.
Opposite to it there is a beautiful deity of Varaha swamy standing. One foot of Varaha deva is placed on an Adi-Shesha head and the other foot is on a turtle. Both these deities are made of black stone and are exquisite. This deity was installed by King Vijayaditya III. Though there are two garbhagrihas, only the original garbhagriha has a Shikara in the Kadamba Nagara style, built probably much later during later period.
Halasi Temple Complex
The temple has two garbhagrihas with an attached antarala, opening into a common Navaranga with 2 Mukhamantapa. The central ceiling of the Navaranga carries a beautiful, inverted lotus motif, but is now covered with a wooden plank. The temple is built on an elevated platform.
There are a few smaller temples in the complex dedicated to Lord Shankara, Narayana, Garuda, Maruti, Radha Krishna and a stepped well. The complex is well maintained, and its temples are functional. This temple is perhaps the oldest surviving temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
The inner floor courtyard of the temple complex is of full of grass. It is a place where hundreds of devotees come together and perform a hymn.
Festivals Celebrated in Sri Kshetra Halasi
According to the priests, pooja performed daily from 7 am to 9 am. Each full moon special pooja offered.
Dussehra festival is celebrated for long lasting ten days, Narasimha Jayanti is also a celebrated grandeur.
Best time to visit Sri Kshetra Halasi
Best time to visit Halasi is in the month of October-March as weather remains pleasant here.
Temple Timings of Sri Kshetra Halasi
Sri Kshetra temple, is open throughout year every day from
Morning 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and Evening 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
How to reach Sri Kshetra Halasi?
The best way to reach temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organized.
By Road: Sri Kshetra Halasi is 42 km from Belagavi, 56 km from Hubballi (Hubli), Road transport can be easily availed from these locations. Regular bus services and taxis are also available.
By Rail: Belagavi railway station is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Hubballi (Hubli). Private taxies are available from these airport location
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