Durga Temple, Aihole – The Temple

Durga Temple, Aihole – The Temple

This Temple is considered as one of the finest temples in Aihole. This temple is facing towards east. The temple follows Gajaprastha style architecture (resemblance to the back of an elephant). This shape is similar to 2^nd century BCE Buddhist chaitya halls found in Ajanta Caves. The temple's unusual apsidal form is thought to have been inspired from Buddhist chaitya halls, but recent studies suggest that apsidal designs in Indian architecture were a pan-Indian tradition, which was shared by various faiths from the 2^nd century BCE.

Though it is called as Durga Temple, it has nothing to do with goddess Durga. As the temple once formed a part of Maratha fortification (Durg means Fort), it came to be called as Durga temple. The temple might have been dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu or Lord Surya (Sun god). The temple stands on a high moulded adishtana. The plan of the temple is oblong and apsidal. The Temple consists of Mukha Mandapam, Sabha Mandapa and Sanctum with a circumbulatory path (Pradakshina Pada).

The temple is entered through two flights of steps to the south and north of the entrance porch leading to Mukha Mandapa. Sculptures of amorous couples and Lord Shiva dancing on apasmara can be seen on the pillars of Mukha Mandapa. The inner wall of Mukha Mandapa has sculptures of Ardhanariswara, Ugra Narasimha and Ramayana panel. The entrance of the Mukha Mandapam is carved with Yamuna & Ganga and Dvarapalas. The Sanctum is crowned with a damaged curvilinear shikhara. The shikara seems to be influenced from the North Indian style of architecture.

The damaged amalaka of the shikara lies on the ground. The outer walls of the temple have intricately carved life size sculptures of  Harihara, Narasimha, Brahma, Surya, Rishbhantika Mahishasura Mardhini and Varaha. Stone grilles with various geometrical open work patterns ventilate the interior. There is a pillared corridor with sloping roof running around the entire temple. The seven headed serpent carved at the ceiling of the temple is an excellent of Chalukya workmanship.