Huchappayya Matha, Aihole

Huchappayya Matha and Gudi is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva that is located on the western side of Aihole village. Huchappayya Gudi was constructed in 8th century AD and has a mukha mantapa, a sanctum and a Chalukya-style curvilinear shikhara. This temple is quite unlike the Lad Khan Temple located in the vicinity in terms of architectural style.

The ceiling of the temple has trimurti figures, a Nataraja image and 12th century inscriptions. There are detailed and beautiful carvings inside the temple along with numerous large square-shaped pillars that have beautiful engraved figures of couples. On the exterior walls of the temple, there are three niches with Narasimha. Huchappayya Matha & Gudi is gaining popularity among tourists and should be included by travellers going to Aihole, if time permits.