Hassan

Hassan takes its name from the goddess Hasanamba, whose shrine stands at the heart of the town. Local tradition tells of seven mother goddesses who came to the region, several making their home at Hassan. The town lies in the country of the Hoysalas, whose former capitals at Belur and Dvarasamudra are renowned for temples carved in stone. In later centuries the surrounding land was contested by the Keladi Nayakas and the rulers of Mysore.