Hassan (Kannada: ಹಾಸನ) is a city and district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The town is situated 934 mts above sea level with fine weather similar to Bangalore. The town is home to the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was founded in the 11th century, by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar (chieften). The place is called Hassan after the Goddess "Haasanamba", the goddess and presiding deity of the town. It can be called as the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka and is the location of the Hasanamba Temple.

History

Hassan the 4th largest city of the state, dates back to the 11th century, during the Hoysala dynasty, which lasted from the eleventh to the fourteenth century. Their capital was at Dwarasamundra (Dwaravati-pura), the ruins of which are still to be seen scattered round the town of Halebidu(ಹಳೆಬೀಡು).

The earlier kings were of the Jain faith, but the finest temples were dedicated to Shiva by the later monarchs in the dynasty. While the Hoysalas were at the zenith of their power, much of southern India was under their influence.

Belur is one of the famous temple near Hassan. Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebidu which is only 16 km away, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple (dedicated to Chennakeshava, meaning handsome Vishnu) as the centre piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigraya temple built by Shantaladevi, queen of king Vishnuvardhana.

Shravanabelagola (Kannada: ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳ) is a city located in the Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka and is 158 km from Bangalore. It is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centers. It reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad.The 57 feet monolithic statue of the Bhagavan Gomateshwara Bahubali is located on the Vindyagiri.[1] It is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue and was erected by Chavundaraya, a general of King Gangaraya. The base of the statue has an inscription in Prakrit, dating from 981 AD. Every twelve years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is covered with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2018.

Transport

Hassan is the hub of Broad gauge railways to Birur, Bangalore and Mysore. The line to Mangalore is fully converted under Project Unigauge in 2006.. Goods traffic was started in May 2006 and passenger trains were commissioned on December 8th 2007. At present two express trains plying between Bangalore and Mangalore connect Hassan with Bangalore and Mangalore. Hassan-Shravanabelagola new broad gauge line was commissioned in February 2006. It is unfortunate that railways has stopped the passenger trains in the month of July 2006 under the pretext of poor patronage. but fact was one single passenger trip was being run at highly inadequate time that was 12:20 pm from Hassan with lack of punctuality. But it is sad that people of Hassan district have not paid attention to this stalemate. also has a full-fledged bus terminus operated by Karnataka State Bus Transport Service, besides this it is also well connected by private bus services to all the major cities across south and west India. The nearest airport is located in Bangalore (117 Miles/187 K.M) followed by the one in Mangalore.

Photos: Chethan.K. -Mangalore

Information Courtesy: Wikipedia