Ramalinga Temple Complex, Aihole, Karnataka

Ramalinga Temple Complex, Aihole, Karnataka

Ramalinga Temple Complex is a group of five Hindu Temples, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the outskirts of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The temple complex is also called as Ramalingeshvara temples. This temple complex is situated close to Veniyar and Galaganatha Group of temples.

History

This Temple Complex is believed to be built during 11^th Century CE. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple complex is facing towards west. It consists of five temples and can be entered through a gate on the northern side. The temple follows trikutachala style of architecture. The entrance porch has carvings of Nataraja and two lions. The main temple consists of three shrines. All these shrines are connected to a common mandapa. Two of the shrines have pyramidal towers with shrinking squares concentrically placed, as does the main shrine, but two have their amalaka and kalasa a bit lower and intact. The mandapa is covered with a sloping stone roof. Two shrines houses Shiva Linga and the third shrine houses Parvathi. The temple has an arched gate with a path to the river. The temple has a modern wooden chariot with old stone wheels used for annual processions.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 2.5 Kms from Aihole Durga Temple and 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