Mallikarjuna Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

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 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 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.

Connectivity

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.

Location