The Celestial Kalyani of Hulikere: A Milestone in Hoysala Water Architecture

This beautiful sacred pool of water, a Kalyani or Pushkarini, located in the small village of Hulikere, just 5 km from Halebidu, can be considered a significant milestone in the art of constructing such water bodies. Constructed like a well below ground level, this Pushkarini features stone stairs leading down to the mid-height from the bottom on all four sides. Above this level, there are 12 sanctums with pinnacles (Shikhara's). Interspersed among them are also 14 sanctums without peaks or pinnacles. Where another sanctum might have been, there are steps leading further down.

Connoisseurs surmise that the 12 sanctums of this Kalyani most probably represent the twelve Zodiac constellations. Furthermore, the total number of sanctuaries (26) might stand for the 27 stellar constellations. If this interpretation is correct, this Pushkarini showcases a unique architectural design representing the celestial sphere and its different constellations. This discovery would mark a new and astounding facet of Hoysala architecture. As this great pool is filled to about three-quarters during the rainy season, its full beauty is best discernible during the summer season.

Location

Hulikere is situated 5 kms from Halebidu on the Halebidu – Hagare road. Hagare lies on the Hassan – Belur road. Look out for a signboard mentioning the Kalyani, which can be easily missed. Take a left at this signboard, and the Kalyani is located about a kilometer further down.