The sculpture of Kasivisvesvara Temple followed the features of Western Chalukya sculptures as the temple was constructed during their reign. The temple lies in the Tungabhadra river region which was considered the cradle of cultural and temple building activities. As is the case with the Chalukya temples they have widely borrowed from the Dravidian art and sculpture. The sculpture of Kasivisvesvara Temple was one of the earliest architectural buildings to define the Karnata dravida tradition. In fact Kasivisvesvara Temple is considered one of the most ornate temples in Karnataka.

Kasivisvesvara Temple is a double shrined temple or `dwikuta.` There are two shrines within the temple complex. The principle shrine faces east and the presiding deity is Kasivisvesvara or Lord Shiva. The other shrine is dedicated to the sun god, Surya. It is called Suryanarayana. What is noticeable here is that the Surya temple faces west whereas the Indian Surya temples generally face east. The sculpture of Kasivisvesvara Temple reflects a shift in style of the Chalukyan art and architecture. In this temple the stone work is sharper and crisper. The way in which the artists have utilized the effect of light and shadow is also remarkable. The door jambs and lintels are ornamented. The mouldings are also well rendered.

Another important feature of the architecture and sculpture of the Kasivisvesvara Temple is the presence of the miniature towers. This structure is especially common with the North Indian temples. The miniature towers display the shrines and within these shrines resides the temple deities. The miniature towers are supported by pilasters. Another noticeable architecture of this temple is the mouldings on the southern and eastern doorways. Four inner bands of scrolls decorate the southern doorway. These scrolls are to be found on the lower part of the entablature.

The lintel of the doorway is adorned with the sculpted image of Gaja-Lakshmi with elephants presented on either side. Above the lower cornice the entablature comprises smaller carved figures. The decoration of the eastern doorway lacks the grandeur of the southern one. But its excellent filigree work demands attention. This gateway will lead the devotee directly to the `garbhagriha.` This lintel, too, has the image of Gaja-Lakshmi and her elephants. Above the cornice the sculpted figures of a procession of men and animals are to be found. The three Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, are placed above the men and animals.

The decoration of the outer walls of the temple flaunts the miniature towers. Arches are a common feature here. Inside the temple the lathe-turned pillars are sculpted with bracketed figures. These bracketed figures comprise little lions, kirthimukhas (demon faces) and scrolls.