 It was the early capital of the Hoysala kings.The city was so esteemed by the Hoysalas that it is referred to as "earthly Vaikuntha" (Vishnu's abode) and "dakshina Varanasi" (southern holy city of Hindus) in later inscriptions.One of the Hoyasala kings was Vishnuvardhana, who came to power in 1110 CE.