Veniyar Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Veniyar Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Veniyar Group of Temples are group of ten Hindu Temples, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the outskirts of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. Veniyar Group of Temples are also called as Veniyargudi, Vaniyavar, Veniyavur or Eniyar group. This temple complex is situated close to Ramalinga and Galaganatha Group of temples.

History

The temples in the complex were probably built between 9^th and 11^th Century CE. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple Complex

This Temple complex consists of ten temples. The main temple of this group is facing towards east, but the entrance is facing towards south. The temple consists of Mukha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Sanctum. A stone Sthamba in damaged condition can be seen in front of the Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The lintel on the entrance of the Maha Mandapa has Gajalakshmi.

The Maha Mandapa is square in plan. It is supported by four central pillars arranged in a square and ten pilasters on four sides. The lintel on the entrance of the sanctum has Gajalakshmi and lotus is carved on the ceiling. The sanctum houses a Shiva Linga. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramid of shrinking concentric squares as the tower rises towards the sky.

Temple No – 2:

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by four central pillars. The sloping roof of the Mukha Mandapa is supported by eight pillars and two pilasters. The lintel on the entrance of the sanctum has Gajalakshmi. There is no Linga inside the sanctum. The shikara over the sanctum is in ruins, but it might have been a stepped pyramid variety.

Other Shrines:

The other shrines in the complex are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and one shrine is dedicated to Saptamatrikas. These shrines are mix of primitive and newer experimental designs.

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