There is a 13th-century Bhūmija temple of Siddheśvara (18.125534, 74.396870) in the Korhale Budruk village in Baramati Tehsil of Pune District. Korhale Budruk village is situated at a distance of 85 km from Pune. The Siddheśvara temple is enclosed by a fencing wall and is of Tridala (with three garbhagṛihas) type.

Ground plan of the Siddheśvara temple

Siddheśvara temple.

Architecture: The Siddheśvara Temple layout includes a nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa, and garbhagṛiha. The śikhara of the temple is fashioned in the elegant Bhūmija style. As one walks through the two main entrances guarded by fencing walls, the nandīmaṇḍapa immediately captures attention. The stambhas in this section are intricately carved; the front stambhas feature various forms of Viṣṇu, while the rear stambhas are adorned with Surasundarī sculptures such as Putravallabhā, Darpaṇā, Mardalā, and Śukasārikā. The lifelike sculpture of Nandī in the center of the nandīmaṇḍapa is particularly striking, with detailed veins etched onto its face. The vitāna of this area is of the Kārakoṭaka type. Remnants of the original brick construction can still be seen.

The sabhāmaṇḍapa is equally captivating, featuring devakoṣhṭhas on both sides that house sculptures of Veṇugopāla and Bhairava. The kakṣāsana area of the sabhāmaṇḍapa displays a series of erotic sculptures, below which a row of elephants is carved. This area is supported by four elaborately carved stambhas and ten ardhastambhas. The capitals of the main pillars are adorned with figures known as Kīcakas or Bhāravāhakas, while nāgabandhas are observed elsewhere. The central parts of the stambhas are filled with sculptures primarily inspired by epic narratives. Notable among these are Kāliyā mardana, Kriṣṇa with Gopīs, Kriṣṇa and Yaśodā, Yoga-Narasimha, Mārica vadha, Pārvatī, Nṛtya Gaṇeśa, Hanumāna, and scenes depicting the battle between Sugrīva and Vālī, among others.

On either side of the sabhāmaṇḍapa are two upagarbhagṛhas. Their doors are carved with nidhīs, dvārapālas, and Gaṅgā-Yamunā. Additionally, the entrances are accented with intricately carved śākhās. A sculpture of Śiva graces the vitāna of the raṅgamaṇḍapa, rounding off the ornate decorations that mark this sabhāmaṇḍapa.

Sabhāmaṇḍapa of the temple.

A panel of Kāliyā mardan.

Venugopal with Gopis and cows.

Yoga-Narasimha.

Yogīs

Cow-calf with devotee.

Sugrīva-Vālī cobat scene.

On the lower parts of the stambhas, Kevala Śiva, Viṣṇu, Gaṇeśa, Govardhandharī Kriṣṇa, Bhairava, Vidāraṇa Narasimha, Mahālakṣmī, Sarasvatī etc. main sculptures are seen.

Vidāraṇa Narasimha.

Bhairava.

A rare sculpture of Govardhandharī Kriṣṇa.

Mahālakṣmī

Gajahamurti Shiva (?)

Antarāḷa and Garbhagṛha: There are two empty devakoṣhṭhas on the left and right sides of the antarāḷa. The entrance to the main garbhagṛha has pañcaśākhās. They are puṣpa, vādaka/gaṇa, stambha, latā and vyāḷa śākhās from inside out. Sculptures of Gaṅgā-Yamunā, śaiva Dvārapālās, Nidhī are on the peḍyā. Kīrtīmukhas are carved on the uduṁbara and some sculptures are carved on the mandāraka area. There is a sculpture of Gaṇeśa on the lalāṭapaṭṭa. A grand śivaliṅga is in the centre of the main garbhagṛha of the temple.

Temple Exterior: The exterior of the Siddheśvara Temple stands in stark contrast to its intricately designed interior, bearing a flat surface devoid of any carvings. Nonetheless, the garbhagṛha features three external devakoṣhṭhas, and the śikhara above it is exquisitely fashioned in the Bhūmija style. This śikhara is adorned with mūlamanjirīlatā on three sides and is structured with multiple layers of kuṭastambhas in a pañcabhūma format, indicating five levels. There are five horizontal kuṭastambhas positioned between the two latās. The pinnacle of this complex structure showcases grīvā, āmalaka, and kalaśa elements, while a śukanāsikā is situated on the śikhara's eastern side.

Some portions of the sabhāmaṇḍapa reveal an earlier phase of brick construction, indicating the historical layers of this sacred edifice. Unfortunately, various parts of the temple, including the śikhara, have been painted, a treatment often considered detrimental to the temple's aesthetic and historical value.

Outside the main entrance, a collection of vīragaḷas stands, which are carved stones often commemorating heroes. These stones depict a variety of scenes and figures, including battles, dhvajastambhas (flagstaffs), elephants, makaras (mythical sea creatures), lions, and horses. A total of six to seven such vīragaḷas enrich the temple’s exterior, each contributing to the narrative and historical significance of the place.

Concluding Remarks: Overall, the Siddheśvara Temple is abundant with sculptures. Efforts have been made to maintain the temple, yet some areas have been marred by excessive painting. As with other temples, exquisite sculptures have been coated with a thick layer of paint, diminishing their original beauty. The Siddheśvara Temple at Korhale-Budruk holds significant importance not just in Pune district but also throughout Maharashtra in terms of sculptural art. Until now, a detailed study of this temple has not been undertaken.