Bucesvara Temple, Koravangala
Hassan district, Karnataka, India
A Hoysala temple of 1173, built by Buchi, an officer of King Veera Ballala II. It is a rare surviving example of a trikuta — three-shrined…
What it's like here
A Hoysala temple of 1173, built by Buchi, an officer of King Veera Ballala II. It is a rare surviving example of a trikuta — three-shrined — Hoysala plan with an inscription that precisely dates it, and it sits in a village a short drive from Hassan, well off the main tourist circuit.
Chloritic schist worked to the density that defines Hoysala building: friezes of elephants, horsemen and mythical creatures running around the base, and a star-shaped plan that throws constantly changing shadow as the sun moves. Because almost nobody comes here, you can walk the whole exterior at your own pace and get close to carvings that would be behind a rope at Belur or Halebidu. It is smaller and plainer than those two, which is exactly why it repays attention.
Highlights
- A three-shrine Hoysala plan, unusual among surviving temples
- The 1173 dated inscription, rare precision for a temple of this period
- Base friezes of elephants, horsemen and makaras
- Star-shaped plan in soapstone, characteristic of the Hoysala style
- Very few visitors compared with Belur and Halebidu
- The village setting in the Hassan countryside
Good to know
Free to visit, though the temple may be locked; a local keyholder usually opens it on request
About 10 km from Hassan; a car or autorickshaw is needed as public transport is limited
Best combined with Belur, Halebidu and Shravanabelagola on a Hoysala circuit from Hassan
Remove footwear before entering, and dress modestly — it remains an active place of worship
Morning light is best for the exterior carving
Allow 30 to 45 minutes
There are no facilities at the site; Hassan is the base for food and accommodation
You might also like
Questions people ask
Is it worth a detour from Belur and Halebidu?
For anyone with an interest in Hoysala architecture, yes — the three-shrine plan and the dated inscription make it significant, and you will likely have it to yourself.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it is free.
Will it be open?
Sometimes locked. Ask locally; a keyholder in the village will usually open it.
Attributes & facilities
Experience
Features
Time
Other
Last verified: September 10, 2026