Bucheshwara Temple Koravangala - A Specimen of Holysala Architecture
The Buchesvara Temple is a less known , simple yet elegant specimen of the 12th century of Hoysala architecture. A temple built to celebrate the coronation of Hoysala King Veera Ballala II. The Bucesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple definitely will mesmarise the onlooker and those during their sojourns should include this site and appreciate it !
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Unknowingly or Knowingly being fascinated by the architectural marvels during my travel, across south India, i developed a keen interest of visiting temples, be it of Cholas, Chalukyas, Kadambas, Pallavas, Rastrakutas, Pallavas, Vijaynagar Empire or of Hoysalas.They are something always alluring and close to my heart.During one such tour to Malenadu, I was passing through Hassan which is gateway to Hills.
A very lesser known temple of Hoysala reign was in my list which is located just 12 kms away from city caught my attention. I made my mind to visit it.
Bucheshwara temple of Koravangala.is one not on tourism map and less visited Architectural wonder. Koravangala is a small sleepy village located off the Hassan - Arsikere highway. 'Sri Bucheshwara temple' is a grand Hoysala temple built in 12th century AD by Bucha, the younger brother of Govinda, an officer working under King Narasimha I.
This is a dwikuta (2 ) temple with two shrines facing each other. These shrines are connected by a closed mantapa, and an open mantapa. The western shrine facing east containing an image of Surya, the sun god, and the eastern shrine contains a Shivlinga. The entrance is very small and guarded by elephants. There are beautifully carved dwarapalaka statues on either side. This entrance leads to a Mukha mandapa which is supported by 32 pillars. The ceiling is partitioned into 13 parts and each is carved beautifully with lotus flowers. The navaranga is square and stands on four central lathe-turned round pillars. The ceiling of the navaranga has 9 ankanas decorated with different types of moldings. The open sabha mandapa is star-shaped, standing on four central lathe-turned round pillars.
This is a dwikuta temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Linga as its principal deity and Lord Surya as a secondary deity. The temple consists of 2 garbhagrihas with 2 antaralas, a sabhamandapa and navaranga with 2 mukhamandapas.
The sanctum sanctorum has a huge Shivalinga made of black stone. As usual, there is a Nandi statue in front. There is a small shrine on the left of the sanctum dedicated to Ganesha.The outer walls of the temple are decorated with various forms of Lords Shiva and Vishnu. On the wall panel, the carving of the Gajendramoksha sequence is an absolute marvel. At the eastern end of the complex is a small shrine of Bhairava. There is also a big inscription stone inside the temple compound.
Narasimha Avatara - Lord Vishnu slaying Hiranya Kashyapu on the outer wall
( L - R ) - Arjuna with his arrow during draupadi swayamvara , Ravanaanugraha Murti, Kalinga Mardhana
The dravidian shikara on the main garbhagriha ( Sanctum ) is a grand structure with 3 talas, surmounted by a vedika and kuta roof with a kalasa. The navaranga is square and stands on four central lathe turned round pillars. The ceiling of the navaranga has 9 ankanas decorated with different types of mouldings. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with various forms of Lords Shiva and Vishnu. The open sabhamandapa is star shaped, standing on four central lathe turned round pillars. The Hoysala insignia adorns the vestibule of this temple.
Caretaker Ramayya plays a multi role of attending daily chores of temple,watchman and doing bit of guiding too.
A beautiful lawn has been laid around the temple and landscaping too.Entire structure looks elegant in the backdrop of waterbody,This temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
