Mallikarjuna Group of Temples,
Aihole, Karnataka
Mallikarjuna 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. The group of temples are located on the way to Meguti Jain Temple immediately after the Jyotirlinga Group of Temples.
History
The temples in this group were believed to be built by the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas from 8th century CE to 12th century CE. These temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.
The Temple Complex
The Temple complex consists of five temples. The main temple and three temples on its north & north east side are facing towards east and the fifth temple faces towards north.
Main Temple:
The
main temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. It
consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa can be
accessed through flight of four steps. The mukha mandapa is supported by four
square shaped pillars. The pillars are carved with lotus medallions and human
figures. The doorway of the sabha mandapa is intricately carved. The base of
the doorjamb are carved with amorous couples and Nagas.
The
lintel of the entrance door of the sabha mandapa has the image of Garuda. An
image of Ganesha can be seen above it. Nandi can be found in the middle of the
sabha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sabha mandapa is supported by two
rows of pillars and pilasters. The pillars are intricately carved with Narasimha,
Shiva, Ganesha, a female dancer accompanied with two female musicians with
their instruments, mithuna figures, lotuses etc.
The
base of the doorjamb of the sanctum are carved with river goddesses Ganga and
Yamuna with their attendants. The dedicatory block on the
lintel of the sanctum door has a flying Garuda holding Nagas. The shikara
over the sanctum follows both pyramidal and curvilinear style. A Sapta Matrikas
slab can be seen outside the main temple. There is a large stepwell near the
main temple.
Kare Gudi:
This
temple is similar in plan to the Temple No 2 in Jyotirlinga
Group of Temples. The temple stands over a raised platform and can be
accessed through flight of seven steps. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala
and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by sixteen pillars. The mukha
mandapa is enclosed by parapet walls with kakasanas on the interior on all
sides. The four central pillars are located in a slightly elevated platform. The
dedicatory block on the lintel of the sanctum door has a sculpture of Gaja
Lakshmi. Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the sanctum. The shikara over the
sanctum follows stepped pyramidal style.
Bille Gudi:
This
temple is situated on the left side of the Kare Gudi. The temple consisted of
sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is lost
completely. The sabha mandapa is supported by four pilasters of the side walls.
There is no shikara over the shrine.
Other shrines and ruins:
The smaller
shrines in this complex were likely built during the Late Chalukya period.
There is a gateway in the center of the temple complex. There are also several
large pillars scattered around the complex.
The temple complex is located
at about 500 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.
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