Bucheshwara temple is located in the village of Koravangala which is around 10 kms from Hassan. It is a beautiful temple built in 12th century CE, of Hoysala Architecture. The temple was built in Hoysala Architectural style by a rich officer called Buchiraja (Buci), in the year 1173 CE, to celebrate the coronation of Hoysala king Veera Ballala II.
There are two shrines, connected by a closed Mantapa (verandah). The shrine of Shiva which is facing east is intact and worshiped regularly, while the shrine of Narayana facing west is damaged and hence there is no worship.
Northern side of the temple has a
shrine for Kaala Bhairava and an image of Bhairavi is sculpted on the wall in
front of Kaala Bhairava temple.
Outer wall of the temple has delicately carved images of the deities Narasimha,
Kalinga Krishna, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Saraswati and other demigods and
angels. The southern door has two elephants with intricately carved jewels on
its back. The door has a pair of Dwarapalakas. Northern door has no elephants
but only Dwarapalakas.
The interior of hall has nicely finished pillars on a square stone pedestal.
The roof has intricate carvings of gods and goddesses.
Bucheshwara temple is worth visiting to enjoy the beautiful Hoysala
architecture.
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