Durga Temple, Aihole – Legends
Arunasura:
As per
legend, the
place was hit by severe drought. The people were on the verge of giving up the
dharmic traditions and even brahmins started eating meat. Sage Jabali found the
reason behind the drought condition prevailing in this area. This drought was
made by demon named Arunasura who escaped death and fled here when Goddess
Durga killed Shambasura. In act of revenge, he had made the sages to stop all
yagas.
Thus,
leading to drought in this place for years. Further, Arunasura acquired a boon
from Lord Brahma that he would not suffer death from any two legged or four
legged being or from any weapon. Lord Brahma also powered him with Gayatri
Mantra. After acquiring these powers, Arunasura defeated the devas and
conquered heaven. The Devas prayed to Goddess Durga for help.
One
day, Goddess Durga appeared in the form of beautiful woman in the palace garden
of Arunasura. Enticed by her beauty, he approached her. Goddess Durga reminded
him that she had killed Shambasura and his escape from her. Arunasura got angry
and tried to kill the woman with sword. The Goddess suddenly turned into a
stone. Arunasura slashed the stone with the sword, then a vast swarm of bees
emerged from the stone and stung him.
Ayyo Hole:
As per
legend, it is believed that Lord Parashurama after fulfilling his vow of
avenging his father’s murder came down to the Malaprabha River and washed his
blood-stained hands and the Axe. The river turned red due to the blood on the
Axe. A local lady saw the red water and shouted Ayyo, Hole! (Oh No, Blood!) and
hence the place came to be called as Aihole.
Ilavalapura:
It is
believed that Sage Agasthya is said to have killed Ilvala, the brother of demon
Vatapi here. Thus, the place came to be called as Ilavalapura.
Ayya Hole:
It is
said that the name Aihole came from the words Ayya Hole, or city of scholars.
Other Names:
The
place was also called as Ayyavole, Aryapura, Aivalli and Ayyhole.
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