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  • 01Durga Temple

    Durga Temple

    The unique formation of the Durga Temple attracts the visitors in Aihole. Surprisingly, the name is derived from the fort which surrounded the temple. Durga means “fortress” in the local language and it doesn't get the name from Goddess Durga featured in the shrine.

    The Durga Temple was built during 7th-8th centuries and is one of the finest architectures of Chalukya dynasty. Sculpture of Goddess Durga along with the carvings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu adorns the temple. The Durga Temple is constructed in the traditional Gajaprasta style (resembling the back of the elephant). The pillars and the overall design portray a fusion of Dravidian and Nagara style of temple architecture.

    The Durga Temple has a unique charm which is worth exploring. So, don't miss out on visiting this splendid heritage in Aihole.

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  • 02Lad Khan Temple

    Lad Khan Temple, one of the oldest temples in India, is located close to the Durga Temple in Aihole. The temple was built by the kings of Chalukya dynasty in 5th century. The temple gets its name from a Muslim prince who turned the temple as his residence for a short period.

    The temple consists of a garbha griha (shrine) and a mantapa in front of it. The mantapa can be divided into mukha mantapa, sabha mantapa and maha mantapa. The pillars here are beautifully carved and the walls are filled with floral patterns. The windows here are done using lattice work in North Indian style.

    Though the temple is originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, there is an idol of Lord Shiva and Nandi too in the main shrine.

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  • 03Jain Meguti Temple

    Jain Meguti Temple

    Jain Meguti Temple, one of the shrines belonging to Galaganatha Group of Temples, is situated on a hilltop in Aihole, on a raised platform. As per the inscriptions on the temple, this shrine was constructed in 634 AD by Ravikeerthi, a commander and minister of Pulakesin II. The temple remained unfinished; nevertheless, the carvings of this temple are more refined than those of other temples of that period. A huge idol of Lord Mahavira in a sitting posture and partially disfigured yet elegant figure of Goddess Ambika are enshrined inside the temple.

    Currently, this temple, constructed without applying mortar, is in a devastated state, but displays Dravidian style of architecture. It is suggested that tourists should come to this temple in order to enjoy the beautiful view of more than 100 shrines. Initially, Jain Meguti Temple had a huge, pillared mukha mantapa, 16 columns porch, a superstructure that stands above the wall of the sanctum and the hall extension were also added later.

    A set of stairs lead the visitors to a vast, pillared mukha mantapa. As the tourists head upstairs to the roof, they will notice that a shrine stands directly above the primary shrine of Jain Meguti Temple.

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  • 04Ravana Phadi

    It is suggested that travellers heading towards Aihole should visit Ravana Phadi, one of the oldest cave temples of the Aihole complex. This rectangular temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, has a history that dates back to the 6th century. The temple consists of two mantapas and a Shivalinga at the sanctum sanctorum or the inner room. Lined by carved pillars, this sanctum of this Shaivite cave temple has a hall with three entrances.

    There is a broken column that falls smoothly in line with the entrance, which opens towards the south-west. Free-standing temples are located on both sides of the sudden depressions that are created on a deep ledge of the cave. On the walls and at the sides of the shrine, tourists can see different figures like a dancing Shiva. This temple primarily depicts the deity in ornately crafted Nataraja dancing figures that are present amidst the Saptamatrikas.

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  • 05Huchimalli Gudi

    Huchimalli Gudi

    Huchimalli Gudi is referred to a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Established during the 7th century, it is deemed to be one of the ancient temples of Aihole and should be visited by all tourists passing through Aihole. Lattices are present on the exterior walls of sanctum, which has a rekhanagara tower (made in northern style of architecture) and a pradakshina patha.

    Reflecting the changes in the temple plan, an antechamber or ardha mandapa is also attached to the main temple, which adds to the beauty of the site. It is the first temple to have a shukanasa or vestibule. To the north of Huchimalli Gudi is a small temple that has been assigned to the 11th century.

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  • 06Gowda Temple

    Gowda Temple

    Gowda Temple, a 12th century shrine, is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi and is counted amongst the most important tourist attractions of Aihole region. This temple displays Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture and has 16 pillars on its outer wall, which are placed on a high, moulded base. The stone slabs that are placed between the pillars play the role of walls. This temple, situated to the northern side of the Jain temples, is constructed on the same lines of the nearby Lad Khan Temple.

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  • 07Chakra Gudi

    Chakra Gudi

    It is suggested that travellers passing by Aihole should make a stop at Chakra Gudi, located in proximity of Lad Khan Temple. It was built in 9th century and has a hall, a sanctum, a rekhanagara tower and sculptures of 20 couples carved at the sanctum door frame.

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  • 08Meganagudi Group

    Meganagudi Group

    Meganagudi, also known as Meguti, is a Jain temple that showcases architecture of Dravidian style. Tourists visiting Aihole are suggested to visit this popular cluster of shrines, which includes ancient temples located at a small hillock dating back to 5th century. A natural cavern is present inside this two-storeyed structure. Tourists can see a pillared hall and three cells behind the wall of the hall on the first floor, while a verandah and a square cell are present on the second floor. The central room of the temple acts as the shrine cell.

    Behind the temple, an antarala and a sanctum with pradakshina patha are present; whereas, a pillared hall is located in front. The renowned Aihole inscription, which is assigned to 634 AD, is engraved on the outside wall. On the south-east side of the temple, there is a small Jain cave, which has a wall, a porch and a sanctum. The sanctum has a figure of a five-foot-tall Bahubali and carvings of Tirthankaras. A superstructure is present atop the sanctum, though it was added to the temple later. Another notable addition to the temple was the porch that has 16 columns.

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  • 09Galaganatha Group

    Galaganatha Group

    Travellers on their trip to Aihole must visit Galaganatha Group of Temples. This cluster includes around 38 temples, located on the banks of river Malaprabha. The main temple of the group, called Galaganatha, dates back to the 8th century. It is home to an image of Lord Shiva and has a curvilinear shikhara as well as images of Ganga and Yamuna at the entry gate. The temple also has a hall, a sanctum, an interior passage and rekhanagara tower. However, it is only extant temple of the group, while most of the shrines of the cluster can only be seen, now, in their ruined state.

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  • 10Suryanarayana Temple

    Suryanarayana Temple

    Suryanarayana Temple, one of the notable attractions of Aihole, is dedicated to Lord Surya. As per legends, this temple was constructed in 7th or 8th century. The temple has a 2-feet-high statue of the deity, along with partners Usha and Sandhya sitting on a horse chariot. This temple has tower of rekhanagara style and an inner room or sanctum with four pillars. Situated to the north-east of Lad Khan Temple, it is not very popular among tourists, though they should head towards the spot if time allows.

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  • 11Ambigera Gudi

    Ambigera Gudi

    Ambigera Gudi is the group of three temples which are believed to have been constructed in 10th century. These temples are located within proximity of Durga Temple and Chikkigudi, just outside Aihole Fort. The largest of these three temples includes a rekhanagara tower and has been assigned to the 10th century.

    There are several other mesmerising shrines at the location; thus, visiting this temple can be a good experience for tourists if they have time at hand while passing by Aihole.

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  • 12Triyambakeshwara Group

    Triyambakeshwara Group

    Triyambakeshwara Group of Temples is counted among the prime attractions of Aihole. A number of temples are present in this complex, out of which the most prominent are two Trikutachalas and the Maddinagudi. Trikutachalas temples, which literally mean three-celled temples, were constructed in the 12th century, whereas Maddinagudi Temple dates back to the 11th century. Tourists are advised to visit the Triyambakeshwara Group of Temples if they wish to see the beautiful Nataraja idol in the mantapa of the shrine. The central shrine of the cluster is home to a Parshwanath statue.

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  • 13Rachi Group

    Rachi Group

    Rachi Gudi, a trikutachala Shiva temple, is known to be constructed circa 11th century. This temple, which faces the west and stands on a high plinth, is suggested to all tourists passing through Aihole. The temple has three cells that face three different directions. On the outside wall, there are tiny niches with the images of Nataraja, Ganapathi and Vishnu. This temple has a portico that is placed on a raised platform and balanced by four central pillars with Nandi sitting at the centre facing the temple.

    Portico has kakshasanas with flat pillars and slanting roofs on three sides and can be reached from three entrances. The entrance of the hall is ornately embellished with Gajalakshmi sculpture on lintel and different floral and geometric designed doors. There are two perforated abhas at the southern wall of the portico. The carved temple miniature on the outside wall of the temple makes it more beautiful.

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  • 14Yeniar Shrines

    Yeniar Shrines

    Yeniar Shrines refers to a group of eight temples that are located on the banks of Malaprabha river, towards the south of Aihole. These temples are believed to be constructed during the 12th century. The porch, hall and cellar are some of the additional elements of the shrines. Yeniar Shrines can be visited by tourists while going through the village of Aihole, if they have time.

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  • 15Jainagudis

    Jainagudis

    Jainagudis is a group of Jain Basadis that are situated at the northern side of Triyambakeshvara Group of Temples that tourists are advised to visit while on a trip to Aihole. These Jaina Basadis, also known as Jain Narayana or Yogi Narayana, display Kalyana Chalukya styles of architecture. There are four shrines that were constructed in 11th century AD here. Out of these, the central shrine has the statue of Parshvanatha.

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