The Lesser known Hoysala Temple - Bucheshwara Temple, Korvangala

Hoysalas ruled most of Karnataka, spread over the fertile areas on the bank of Kaveri river. Halebidu and Belur being the capital of the empire still remain the important and well known places of Hoysala dynasty. There are lot of other Hoysala temples, which go untouched and unexplored. In my recent trip to Hassan, we went on a tour of such temples, in Hassan district.

Bucheshwara temple in Korvangala, said to be built in 1173AD, is dedicated to Bucheshwara(a form of lord Shiva). The main shrine has the Linga(Bucheshwara), along with Saptamathrike(7 forms of goddess durga), Sharada, Ganapati(the actual idol was said to be stolen few months back and presently there is a small idol kept in its place), and other deities. Facing the main deity is the shrine of Suryanarayana, the only idol of the deity in whole Karnataka.

 

While the inside of the temple has great carvings on the seiling, the outer wall has rich intricate carvings. On top of the shrine is the Kalasha and Hoysala crest.

 

Just opposite to Bucheshwara temple are ruins of two old temples.
How to reach: 
Korvangala is around 12km from Hassan on Hassan-Arasikere road. As you reach doddapura take right turn and cross the railway crossing. Around 5km drive from there leads you to Korvangala.
KSRTC buses do run between Hassan and Korvangala, but at very less frequency. 

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