Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple: Arjuna Vs. Karna Battle

A frieze depicting Arjuna Vs. Karna battle carved into the outer wall of the Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple in Karnataka, India

Arjuna Vs. Karna Battle

Arjuna Vs. Karna Battle
The image shows a part of the frieze carved into the outer wall of the Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple in Karnataka, India.

This beautifully carved relief depicts a scene described in the Battle of Kurukshetra chapter of Mahabharata. In this scene, Arjuna, the commander of the Pandavas, confronts Karna, the commander of the Kauravas, on the battlefront.

Notice that each chariot has a flagstaff behind the warrior. Mounted atop this flagstaff is an emblem used to identify the warrior. Standing on the right chariot is Arjuna, identified by his emblem, a monkey, i.e., Hanuman. On the left chariot is Karna, identified by the crow on his flag.

As you can see, this battle scene is intense. Arjuna and Karna are shooting arrows (representing astras) at each other. In between the chariots, two men are engaged in a sword fight.

Mahabharata Stories in the Halebidu Temple
Abimanyu in Chakravyuha
Arjuna Vs. Karna Battle
Arjuna and Shiva hunting a wild boar
Bhima slaying Bhagadatta’s elephants
Use of advanced technology and weapons in the Battle of Kurukshetra

Related Images from Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia
Arjuna vs. Karna battle carved into pediment of a tower in the middle terrace
– The following are from the Battle of Kurukshetra bas-relief carved into the west gallery on the lower level.
Battle of Kurukshetra — Advancing Kaurava army and the death of Bhishma
Death of Bhishma
Battle of Kurukshetra — Melee of Kaurava and Pandava warriors

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