The Twin Temple Complex of Bucheshwara at Koramangala

Soumyaroop Mukherjee

The Twin Temple Complex of Bucheshwara at Koramangala

Bucheshwara temple is a 12th-century temple which has been considered the torch-bearer of the Hoysala architecture. It was constructed by a wealthy patron named Buchi under the sovereignty of King Ballala. According to experts, this temple complex has been considered one of the most sophisticated temple complexes in the south.

Bucheshwara temple at Koramangala; Source: Creative Commons License

The Bucheswara temple is situated in the village of Koramangala, in the Hassan district of Karnataka, approximately 12km northeast of Hassan City. This village served as the main capital of the formidable Hoysala monarchy in the 12th century and is located about 35 kilometres (22 km) southwest of this location.

Also known as the Buceswara/Bhuchevara temple, this temple was built in the 12th century and is considered the most artistic and elegant temple in the community. It is regarded as representative of Hoysala architecture. The temple was constructed during the time of the Hoysala monarch Ballala by a wealthy patron named Buchi and his two brothers.

The history of the Hoysalas is quite interesting. The decline of the later Western Chalukyas, also known as the Hoysalas of Badami, who ruled over southern India in the 11th century C.E., paved the way for the emergence of the Hoysala royal power. This royal powerhouse emerged in the state of Mysore and ruled over Karnataka, parts of Tamil Nadu, and western parts of Andhra Pradesh for about two and a half centuries.

The different ruling dynasties are known for their unique features. The Hoysalas, for example, are known for their unique accomplishments in the field of temple art and architecture. The Hoysala temples are magnificent and can be found in various locations, such as Halebidu, Belur, Sringeri, Somnathapura, and Bucesvara.

At the twin temple known as Bucheshwara, two sanctums face each other. Shiva is honored in the sanctuary near the bigger mandapa, which faces east. Surya, the Sun God, is honored at the other two doorways. The eastern side of the temple, dedicated to Shiva, has a face named Sadyojata in an ancient mythological setting. The temple is a monument protected by the ASI.

The temple's design features two shrines facing each other, known as divikuta. These shrines are joined by a closed mandapa (hall) and an open mandapa. A smaller temple dedicated to Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, is located at the eastern end of the complex, to the north of the main temple. In mythology, Bhairava represents the state where anger gathers in Shiva, occurring just before the stage of Nataraja.

The most striking feature of the temple is the tritala vimana or gaudha-mandapa. The vimana consists of various iconographies of Karnas, Kutastambhas, Bhadra, and Kapili. The shikhara is beautifully decorated with detailed carvings. The fine carvings on the shikhara show the icon of Nataraja, the dancing and most fierce form of Shiva. Here, the icon of Nataraja is depicted in a Hoysala crest or style.

The top of the temple features a perfect Kalasa, or water pot, which is one of the auspicious symbols of Hinduism. The upper walls display a balanced blend of iconography from Hindu traditions. This beautiful temple can certainly be considered a work of art and belongs on any person's bucket list.

As we visit the temples, we can observe the artworks of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and other Vedic deities reverentially displayed. This is evidence that the kings of that time were tolerant of all the cults and sects of Hinduism. The temple panels depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagvata Purana, primarily concerned with Vaishnavism. Additionally, these temples also had iconographies of artha and kama, as well as mithuna or amorous couples. Such iconographies on the temple walls indicated progressive thoughts about physical relations, which could be openly displayed. This is in contrast to the present day, where such sensual displays might be considered uncivilized.

According to a story, a wealthy officer named Buci or Buchiraja built this stunning temple in 1173 AD. It is situated to the north of the settlement. However, Telugu inscriptions on the temple walls commemorating the coronation of Hoysala monarch Veera Balla II contradict this account.

Koramangala was a significant town in pre-14th century Karnataka, known for its many temples. The location of this particular temple is both important and intriguing, as it was situated on the eastern side of a man-made lake that housed at least six temples. As suggested in the Shilpa Shastra, a collection of ancient Sanskrit scriptures on Hindu architecture, all Hoysala temples also have a square layout.