Bucesvara Temple, Koravangala

Bucesvara temple, also referred to as the Buceswara, Bucheshwara or Bhucheshvara temple, is a 12th-century Hindu temples in Koravangala village, Karnataka, India. The most sophisticated historical temple in the village, it is considered to be the flag-bearer of Hoysala architecture and was built by a wealthy patron named Buchi during the reign of king Ballala. It is a twin temple with the two sanctums facing each other. The sanctum next to the larger mandapa opens to the east and is dedicated to Shiva, while the other near the two entrances is dedicated to Surya. Artworks of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and the Vedic deities are reverentially displayed, along with panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana. Also included are scenes of artha and kama (mithuna, amorous couples). The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.