Shantala Devi was the queen of Vishnuvardhana of the well-known Hoysala dynasty of the ancient Karnataka area in 12th century AD. Earlier, there were many books written on the valour and capability of the king. But hardly anything were written about the queens who had played a great role in to the cultural and religious spheres in both North and South India. Shantal Devi of Hoysala is one of such queens who deserve a special mention.

Shantala Devi was a very beautiful queen, who was well versed in the fine arts of dance and music. She was well trained in Bharay Natyam dance. Inspired by her beauty, king Vishnuvardhana built numerous celestial female figures called `Madanikas` in the temple of Chennakeshava at Belur in Karnataka. The numbers of these `Madanikas` are about forty-two. Shantala Devi was an epitome of beauty and the sculptors were also inspired by her grace hence they carved these sculptures very minute detail and al of them are in Bharata Natyam poses. There is a polished stone platform in the hall of the Chennakeshava. It is said that Shantala Devi danced on this platform in praise of Lord Chennakeshava. The king Vishnuvardhana also built the `Sri Shantha-leswara` shrine at Shivaganga Bhetta to commemorate his wife Shantala Devi.

Queen Shantala Devi built the `Channigaraya` temple following the pattern of `Chennakeshava` temple. She was a follower of Jainism. It is said that her husband Vishnuvardhana too was originally a Jaina but converted to Sri Vaishnavism due to the influence of Ramanuja-charya, the great Sri Vaishnava teacher. But after that too he continued to patronize Jainism.

Shantala Devi also built the `Savathi Gandavara` temple in Chandragiri at Shravanabelagola and gifted Mottenavile village to her preceptor Prabhachandrasiddanthadevaru for conducting rituals. It is said that Queen Shantala Devi died after observing the Jaina practice of `Sallekhana` at Shivagange.