Twelve kilometres from Hassan is a beautiful 1173 built Hoysala style temple of Lord Shiva in the eastern shrine in the form of a linga – Bucheshwara and Sun God -Suryanarayana in the western shrine. Adjacent to the main temple is also a Kalabhairava in the northern shrine – a temple an independent stand alone structure which is opened once a year. This temple is on Hassan – Arasikere road, one has to traverse 10 kms and take a right turn crossing a railway line for 2 kms and lo! Here stands a beautiful Archeological Protected Monument by Govt. Of India.
Koravangala called today was once called Koramangala! It’s near Hassan! 210 kms from Bangalore. The temple here is an old style super structure with decorative sculpted images of Hindu deities all over the place. It’s believed that once upon a time it was a Chola temple. In 1173 AD, Bhutanatha or Buchiraja – a Rich Brahmin officer in the Hoysala kingdom under the Hoysala king Narasimha-I constructed this temple where he won the battle but lost his two sons. In memory of his two sons this temple was constructed! The year was 1173 AD and the time coincided with the coronation of the Hoysala king Veera Ballala-II. The stone tablet at the entrance of the temple sculpted & inscribed in old Kannada says it all. There is also a ‘veergal’ or the victory stone which supports the historical event. Buchiraja’s older brothers Govinda & Naka took responsibility of constructing this temple.
The temple tower at Koravangala is a beautiful structure. Right on top one can see – Sala slaying a tiger apart from other beautiful gods & godesses adorning the mantle. The structure is a work of art from the roof to the floor. It has 32 stone pillars, lathe turned to a smooth finish supporting the ceiling & roof! The ceiling is divided into 13 parts inlaid domical carved flat lotus petals decorate the inner roof i.e., the ceilings! The entrance to the temple has the iconic two elephants gracing the structure. It also has a tank like any other temple adjacent to it. The adjacent Govindeshwara temple a few meters away is in neglect, hope it’s restored and taken care and made a protected property by the government authorities. The village is too close to the protected monuments. Hope our society takes care of this 1100 year old for our future generation.
Hoysalas followed the Atharava Veda. This is proved by the fact that – facing north is a beautiful idol of Marthanda Bhairavi – this deity is always worshipped before the kingdom goes to war and some weapons are kept there permanently considering it auspicious.
This structure has every God & Goddess of Hindu religion adorned in small beautiful idols. The carvings are so fine & detailed that even finger nails are seen. This village once upon a time was a flourishing ‘aghrahara’ – a place of Vedic learning. Even to this day the people here are talented artisans.
This place takes one, an hour of detour when one is visiting Sharavanabelgola, Belur or Halebedu. . . But worth it to know our rich past history. A historians delight apart from an architects or a photographers envy.
Hassan is well connected by toll paying roads apart from trains & buses. Hassan tourism spots can be done as a weekend tour. Having your own vehicle is an advantage. The best place to stay would be at Hassan which is 210 kms from Bangalore. The other places to visit are Gorur Dan, Shettihalli – Rosary church. Mosale, Belavadi, Chanrayarapatna etc. More about them in my future articles.
This sector is almost a temple tour… for rest and relaxation head to beautiful Chickmagalur – natures lap of luxury! Just 90 mins away. Combining all will be a long weekend.
-Jagdeesh Laxman Singh
aka Jugie Singh
Text & Photography
