Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Bucesvara Temple
Bucesvara Temple
Bucesvara temple regarded as an architectural grandeur of the Hoysala Empire was built by Buci in 1173 A.D. in Hassan district in Karnataka. The temple houses the images of Lord Shiva and Surya.

Share this Article:

Bucesvara Temple, KarnatakaThe Bucesvara temple, a specimen glorifying the architectural brilliance of the Hoysala Empire, is located in the village of Korvangla in Hassan district in Karnataka. The village is located at a distance of almost 10 kms from Hassan city. This 12th century edifice that withstood the ambush of the medieval and modern vandalism was constructed by a wealthy officer called Buci in 1173 A.D. to commemorate the coronation ceremony of the Hoysala King Hoysala Ballala III. A monument commanding national significance is presently is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture of Bucesvara Temple
The Hoysala rulers, upon succeeding the later Chalukyas, established their empire in Mysore Plateau. Being great lovers of art, they patronised it by erecting several monuments and cultivating new forms and techniques of architectural patterns. The Bucesvara Temple is chiefly a star-shaped edifice and is a divikuta i.e. two shrines by plan. The shrines facing each other are linked by a closed and open mantapa or hall. A small shrine, dedicated to Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva, is located at the eastern side of the complex. A Sukhanasi defined by a projection of the tower above the shrine links the vimana with the hall.

The other shrine on the western side houses the image of Lord Surya. Facing the east side, the temple is square in plan having three projections. The khalasa, a well designed water-pot preserved on the tower top and a Hoysala sculpture portraying a warrior attacking a lion augment the beauty and appearance of the temple. The embellished sikhara and the exterior walls depict the finest workmanship of the Hoysala artisans.

Equally interesting are the miniature towers on pilasters that exhibit outstanding workmanship in different styles such as vesara, nagara, dravida and bhumija. The eaves protruding almost half a metre encircles the temple. The huge wall images of gods and goddess along with their attendants, caved below the adorned towers, are a treat to the eyes. These figures include Maheshvara, Bhairava, Goddess Durga, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Brahma, Narasimha and Venugopala. Besides, the lower part of the wall has five alternative horizontal mouldings. The temple houses two halls, a closed one and another open. The closed in thoroughly decorated but the open hall is however, incomplete. Above the eaves there is no structure and only offers two side entrances into the temple. The entrance gate on the southern side in decorated with two small elephant balustrades. The exterior wall of the closed hall exhibits some curious iconography of animals devouring animals. The pillars of the mantapa (hall) are bell shaped and have a glossy finish.

The rhetorical development of temple and its elite construction techniques has caught the attention of several tourists, both local and international who frequent the shrine from various destinations.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.
Temple Architecture During Rajput Period
Temple architecture during the Rajput period was inclined to the aspect of Bhakti. Rajput kings encouraged this art which is reflected in the grandeur style of the temples.
Architecture of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple
Architecture at Vaishnodevi has been the source of artistic enjoyment for many, reinstating the vitality of the Indian religiosity and cultural fervour.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple
Steeped in glorious history this is indeed a legendary temple.
Temples in Munnar
Munnar houses myriad temples that are visited by many people. The temples of Munnar are especially known for their festivals that are celebrated with great grandeur.
History of Indian Temples
The history of Indian temples dates back to the ancient ages and variant dynasties that have ruled throughout the ages. Every temple of every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the specific dynasty.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
Kalyaneshwari Temple is one of the well known Shakti peeth of India. Located at a distance of 20 kms from Asansol this age old temple is known for its miracles and a number of legends that attract the devotees and tourists as well.
Kalika Temple in Udhampur
Also known as Maha Kali Temple, the Kalika Temple located at the Reasi town is a holy shrine.
Medieval Temples of India
Medieval temples of India vary from each other due to the style and architecture. The impact of the prevalent kingdom is prominent in the style of building.
Temples of Ramanathapuram District
Temples of Ramanathapuram district have special significance in the state, owing to its architectural attributes.
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur reflects the Dravidian style architecture. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.