Jyotirlinga Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Jyotirlinga Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Jyotirlinga Group of Temples are group of ancient Hindu temples, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. It is a large cluster of over sixteen medieval Hindu temples and monuments. The temple is located to the east of the Durga Temple complex.

History

The temples in this group were believed to be built by the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas from 8^th century CE to 12^th century CE. These temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Group of Temples

The Jyotirlinga Group of temples contains sixteen Hindu temples and a large stepwell. Most of these temples are in ruined condition.

Main Temple:

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by eight pillars. Nandi is placed on the space formed between the four central pillars in the mukha mandapa, facing towards the sanctum. The mukha mandapa is accessed through flight of four steps on the southern side. The sabha mandapa is divided by two rows of pillars into a central nave and two side aisles. Sculptures of Ganesha, Saptamatrikas and lion can be seen in the sabha mandapa.

Temple No 2:

This temple is facing towards north. The temple consists of mukha mandapa, antrala and sanctum. The parapet walls with kakasanas run across the four sides of the mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by sixteen pillars. The mukha mandapa can be accessed from the north, east and west. The roof the antrala is lost completely. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has the image of Gajalakshmi in its dedicatory block. The sanctum is square in plan. It enshrines a Shiva Linga. The roof and all the walls of the sanctum are completely lost.

Temple No 3:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is lost completely. The sabha mandapa can be accessed through flight of two newly built steps. The lintel of the entrance door of the sabha mandapa has the image of Gajalakshmi. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars, two pillars of the antrala, two pilasters of the entrance door and eight pilasters of the sides, which are now destroyed. The four decorative central pillars are placed on an elevated platform. The first pillar on the left has a seven-line kannada inscription. An image of Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum is square on plan. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramidal style but it is partially broken now.

Other Temples:

Most of the temples are in ruined condition, except for the Nandi mandapas and standing pillars of the long-lost mandapa.  Most of the temples are built by the early Chalukyas and Rashtrakuta dynasties. There are temples of Lord Vishnu (11^th century CE Kalyana Chalukya style), Sangamanatha (12^th century CE), Parasurama, Ramalinga and Brahma in the temples group. Sculptures of Ganesha, Karthikeya, Parvati and Ardhanarishvara (half Shiva, half Parvati) can be found in the premises.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 300 metres 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