Chalukya Shiva Temple, Aihole – The Temple

Chalukya Shiva Temple, Aihole – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa measures 18.6 feet in length and  33.4 feet in breadth. The mukha mandapa is supported by 12 pillars in three rows. The side walls of the mukha mandapa are provided with low parapet wall with kakasanas showing purnakalasas on the exterior. The pillars of the mukha mandapa are carved with beautiful images. An image of Ganga is carved on the extreme south pillar and an image of Yamuna is carved on the extreme north pillar.

The sabha mandapa can be accessed from the mukha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is supported by 16 pillars. The pillars are arranged to form two squares one within the other.  A Nandi can be found in the space between the four central pillars, facing towards the sanctum. There are five pilasters on the northern side, five pilasters on the southern side and two pilasters on the western side of the mandapa supporting the roof of the sabha mandapa. There are stone lattice windows on all sides of the sabha mandapa for the lighting and ventilation inside the temple.

These windows have floral and geometrical designs. The lintel of the sanctum has an image of Garuda indicating that the shrine might have been originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum on either side. The sanctum abuts the rear wall of the sabha mandapa. The sanctum is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga. The roof of the temple has log shaped stone strips imitating earlier timber model temples.  There is another shrine on the roof of the sabha mandapa. This shrine is facing towards east and has flat roof without any shikara.

Images of Vishnu on the southern side, Surya on the western side and a female goddess under a tree on the northern side can be seen on the external walls of this shrine. This temple is one of the few temples in Karnataka where a stone ladder can be seen. The ladder connects the ground floor to the sloping terrace. The temple includes iconography from the Shaivism, Vaishnavism & Shaktism traditions of Hinduism, daily life, amorous couple in courtship & kama scenes, the royal emblem of Chalukyas, Kirtimukha, animals and floral motifs.