A closer look at the shrines
The main section of the Bhutanatha temple was constructed by the Badami Chalukyas dynasty in the 7th Century, while the outer mandapa (temple hall) was built later by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th Century. At the same time, the Kalyani Chalukyas also built another temple, called Malikarjuna Temple.
The main Bhutanatha Temple is a beautiful blend of the South Indian Dravidian and North Indian Nagara styles of architecture. The roof of the main temple is in the North Indian style, while the rest of the temple is in the Deccan style. Inside the temple, you'll find a Shiva Linga and a Nandi facing it. There are carvings of Ganga and Yamuna along the door frame of the inner shrine. Ganga is depicted as a goddess riding on a crocodile or Makar, while Yamuna is depicted on a tortoise. Look up at the ceiling, and you'll see a lotus carving. This part of the temple and its open courtyard is older than the rest of the shrines around it, built at the same time as the Mallikarjuna temple.
