Ambigergudi Temple Complex, Aihole, Karnataka

Ambigergudi Temple Complex, Aihole, Karnataka

Ambigergudi Temple Complex are group of three Hindu Temples located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. This temple complex is one of the archaeologically significant Aihole complexes situated immediately west of the Durga temple complex, near its entrance ticket office. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As the Ambiger community (fisherman) stayed near this place, the temple came to be called as Ambigergudi.

History

The Temple No 1 and Temple No 2 were probably built between 6^th and 8^th century CE by Chalukyas. The excavations in the temple complex yielded redwares dated to 1^st and 3^rd century CE and remains of an ancient brick temple. The brick temple might have been probably replaced with stone structure by Chalukyas. The Temple No 3 was built in 11^th century CE by Late Chalukyas.

The Temple Complex

The Temple Complex consists of three monuments, all aligned to the east-west axis.

Temple No 1:

This Temple is facing towards west facing the middle shrine. It is square in plan and lacks a tower.

Temple No 2:

This temple is situated between Temple No 1 and Temple No 3. This temple is facing towards east and largest of the three shrines found in this complex. It has open verandah design with sloping slaps for roof cover. The Sanctum houses a broken image of Lord Surya (Sun god) whose crown is visible.

Temple No 3:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Maha Mandapa. The temple can be accessed from the northern and southern entrance of Maha Mandapa. There is a carving of lotus on the ceiling of the Mandapa. There is no image in the sanctum. There is a shikara over the sanctum and follows dravida design. The face, nose and limbs of the sculptures and carvings in the temple are defaced during Islamic invasions.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 100 meters from Aihole Bus Stand. Aihole is located at about 13 Kms from Pattadakal, 30 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 33 Kms from Bagalkot Junction Railway Station, 34 Kms from Badami, 38 Kms from Bagalkot, 88 Kms from Gadag, 136 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 164 Kms from Belgaum Airport, 277 Kms from Goa and 446 Kms from Bengaluru. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Location