Bucheswara temple, Koravangala

Grandeur Etched In stone (Part-1)

Once again it was Rajesh Sir's inspirational heritage trips giving me a opportunity to visit some exquisite heritages with him, so I like to thank him respectively & I plan to dedicate a new series of article as ‘Grandeur Etched In stone’. The first few articles I would like to dedicate for Hoysala’s Temples.

Bucheswara temple: Koravangala

On a fresh early morning we started our journey to visit this temple. Rajesh Sir had arranged a fine taxi to reach this place .Koravangala village contains temples in Hoysala style architecture built in 12th Century A.D. The Bucheswara temple here is an excellent specimen of Hoysala style. This temple was built by Buchiraja.

As per the inscription on that stone document, the area was ruled by Cholas and Butiraja had a fight with Cholas and he lost his 2 sons in the battle but won the battle. Then assended the throne and took oath to build the temple. In the oath taking part Buchiraja and his wife are depicted and the next step they are worshiping Lord Shiva.

Major 3 beautiful temples in this temple complex which is Nageshwara,Govindeshwara & Bucheswrara out of the 3 the temple of Bucheswara which is full of ornamentation,practically represents the whole Hindu pantheon are the finest examples of master craftsmanship.

The Surya shrine opposite to the front hall is also remarkable for its splendid sculpture. Its elaborate and fine carvings attracts the attention of the viewer.

Facing north was the beautiful idol of Marthanda Bairavi, which the king used to worship before the battles. There was small shrine of Biravi, which was locked; this had a uniquely carved "Dwarapalakas" with very different ammunition. On the front side there was a Ganesha idol with six hands.

Outer side there was also beautiful depiction of Prahalad Charitha on the southern wall. Among other notable sculptures was the Varahi (Note this is female form of Varaha Avatar of Vishnu), Kodanda Rama (On the south side), Varaha Avatar (West side), Krishna, Sarswathi (On North side). This temple also has the Hoysala emblem on the top of the temple.

Inside the temple all the ceilings were carved intricately. Inside there are idols of Sapta Matrika, Sarswathi and Surya. Surya and Sarswathi are carved with details and one could see even the nails in the fingers.

Food chain, with a stag being swallowed by python. Elephant was harassing python. A Lion was trying to kill the Elephant and Mythical animal of “Sharaba” (Indian version of the Chinese Dragon) trying to kill Lion. The “Sharaba” was getting hacked by another mythical character “Ganda Berunda”.