Sri Sundareshwara Shiva Temple, located at Bommavara village near Bangalore, has an intriguing legend. The Shiva lingam in the temple is notably beautiful, earning it the name “Sundareshwara,” meaning “beautiful Lord.” Villagers claim this temple was constructed by ghosts in a single night.
The story dates back around 600 years when Bommavara was plagued by numerous ghosts, causing severe disturbances. Desperate for a solution, the villagers sought the help of Bucchaiah, a man who became a sorcerer by mastering mantras and tantras.
Bucchaiah, also a devout Shiva worshiper, built a Shiva temple with the villagers’ assistance, hoping it would ward off the ghosts. However, the ghosts, unable to bear the presence of the temple, destroyed it overnight. Furious but determined, Bucchaiah used his tantric powers to capture the ghosts. The captured ghosts pleaded for release, to which Bucchaiah agreed on two conditions. First, they must rebuild the temple and second leave the village. The ghosts complied, constructing the temple overnight before leaving the villagers in peace.
The unique aspect of this temple is its carvings. Unlike typical temples adorned with figures of gods and goddesses, the Sundareshwara Shiva Temple is decorated with images of ghosts and demons. Villagers believe these carvings reflect the ghosts’ idea of beauty, as they were the builders of the temple.
For many years, the temple remained without a Shiva lingam until about 50 years ago when a Shivalinga was discovered during the excavation of a nearby well. This Shivalinga is now the temple’s presiding deity, completing its spiritual significance.
Today, the Sundareshwara Shiva Temple stands as a testament to this fascinating legend. The temple not only showcases unique carvings but also narrates a story of supernatural intervention and the power of faith.
