Yogi Narayana Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Yogi Narayana Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Yogi Narayana Group of Temples are group of four Jain Temples, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. This Group of Temples is situated close to Gauri Temple. The Temples were built in 11^th century CE by Late Chalukyas. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple Complex

The temple complex consists of four temples, dedicated to the Mahavira and the Parshvanatha. Two of these temples faces the north, one faces west and other faces east. The main temple follows trikutachala style architecture. The temple consists of Mukha Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antrala and Sanctum. The Sabha Mandapa is square in plan and centrally supported by four pillars. The Sanctum houses a beautiful image of Parshvanatha.

Though Gajalakshmi presides over the door lintel of the sanctum, tirthankaras are also carved elsewhere. The pillars of the temples have intricate carvings. The shikaras are of stepped pyramidal variety. This temple complex has a polished basalt image of Parshvanatha, with a five-headed snake hood. He sits on a platform with lions carved in its niches. Another image from this Jain temples cluster is now at the ASI museum in Aihole.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 500 meters 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