Hoysaleshwara Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It was built in Halebidu during the rule of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The construction was started around 1120 CE and completed in 1150 CE. Temple is surrounded by various tanks, ponds and mantapas, it is built in the vicinity of the large Dorasamudhra lake. It is one of the largest temples dedicated to the god Shiva in South India.

The Hoysaleswara temple is famous for its sculptures that run all along the outer wall, starting with a dancing image of the god Ganesha on the left side of the south entrance and ending with another image of Ganesha on the right hand side of the north entrance. In all there are two hundred and forty such images. The temple also houses the idols of Hoysaleshwara and Santaleshwara which have got their name from that of the king and his wife Queen Santala.

There is also a museum located in the temple complex that exhibits statues, busts, and sculptures of that have been recovered from the ruins by the Archaeological Department.