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Karnatakadalli Bhumija Shailiya Devalayagalu – The Bhumija Type Temples in Karnataka

Author:  M. N. Prabhakar

Place: Kubatur, Soraba, Turuvekere, Nuggehalli

In this essay, the author explains different types of temples architecture as found in Karnataka, taking references from ancient scriptures like Samarangana Suthradhara and Aparajitha Prucchha and books of recents times written by well known scholars like Prof M. A Dhake, Dr. P. K . Acharya, Henry Cousins, P. A. Mankhand.  The author mainly discusses the Bhumija style of temple architecture as can be seen in the temples of Turuvekere and Nuggehalli.

The Bhumija type in temples is mentioned in the Kubatar inscription of  Sorab taluk has made many scholars to
attempt identification of such temples. The record speaks of three styles in northern (Auttareya) school namely Nagara, Dravida and Bhumija. The Nagara style, like the Kalinga one, has a curved shikhara and amalasaara, and it has eka (one) shringa and bahu (multi) shringa sub- styles, called as latina and vimana nagara styles respectively. Bhumija style shikharas are seen as decorative motifs in the janga part of many temples of Karnataka. But the Turuvekere Muleshankara and the Nuggehalli Sadashiva temples built in 12-13 century AD are of the Bhumija style with their shikharas resembling a pyramid, and shrinking in size as the shikhara surmounts, the base being broader. Atop the shikhara will be a vedi (flat platform) and pinnacle resembles a flat bell. These two are the unique temples in Karnataka which showcase the finest Bhumija style architecture and is influcened by Dakshinathya style and Auttareya Dravida styles of temple architecture.