Durga Gudi Kalyani, Aihole, Karnataka

Durga Gudi Kalyani, Aihole, Karnataka

Durga Gudi Kalyani is an ancient stepwell, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The stepwell is situated close to the Durga Temple.

The Stepwell

This Stepwell is smaller than the well near Badiger Gudi. It is situated close to the Durga Temple. This stepwell was built to ensure adequate water supply to the temples in the complex. The water stains on the walls clearly indicate dipping water-table over time in the region.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 100 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

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

Chikkigudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chikkigudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chikkigudi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. This temple is situated to the north of the Ambigergudi.

History

The temples are dated between 7^th century CE by the Chalukyas. The temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum with circumbulatory path, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa can be accessed through flight of three steps. The mukha mandapa is supported by four pillars. The sabha mandapa is supported by four pillars and two pilasters. The entrance of the sanctum has decorative door jambs with floral motifs. Images of Brahma, Vrishabhavahana Shiva and Vishnu are carved within the chaitya arches on the decorative door jambs.

The lintel of the doorway of the sanctum has an image of Garuda in flying posture holding the snakes in his two hands. The river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen at the base of the doorjambs on either side. The exterior wall of the sanctum is provided with niches on three sides. The circumbulatory path receives the light and ventilation through the latticed windows on three sides of the walls of the temple.

The remains of the shikara suggest that it might have had a nagara style shikara over the sanctum. This temple is exceptionally rich in ceiling decoration with carvings of a lotus in a square flanked on four sides by flying gandharvas, Ananta Sayana Vishnu on Ananta with Lakshmi & Lord Brahma emerging out from his navel sitting in padmasana on a lotus,  Trivikrama, Thandava Shiva with Parvathy & Ganesha and Lord Shiva killing the demon Andhakasura.

Connectivity

The temple 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

Charanthi Matha, Aihole, Karnataka

Charanthi Matha, Aihole, Karnataka

Charanthi Matha is a group of Jain temples dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras, 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 were believed to be constructed in 1120 CE by the later Chalukyas as per the inscription available in this temple. The temples are protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Group of Temples

The Charanthi Matha group of temples consists of three Jain temples.

Main Temple:

The temple is constructed in trikutachala style, consisting of three shrines, one each on south, east and west. The main shrine is facing towards north. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The sabha mandapa entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars on a low raised platform and twelve pilasters on the side walls.

There is a stone staircase leads to the roof above can be seen in the sabha mandapa.  The antrala entrance has the image of Mahavira seated on a lion throne accompanied by two chauri bearer attendants on the dedicatory block. The sanctum entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. There is a triple umbrella over his head. He is shown seated in padmasana posture in dyana mudra.

The shikara over the shrine is of stepped shrinking concentric squares pyramidal style. The subsidiary shrines consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by four pillars. The antrala and sanctum entrance has the image of Mahavira with two female attendants on the dedicatory block. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramidal style. The exterior walls of the shrine are decorated with miniature temples separated by pilasters.

Temple No 2:

Temple No 2 actually consists of two temples facing towards south. The temples consists of individual sanctum and sabha mandapa with a common mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by five pillars and two pilasters. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars.  The temples has the image of Mahavira carved on the dedicatory block. The door jambs are intricately carved with floral motifs and miniature human & animal figures. Sculptures of Yalis can be seen on the pilasters. There is no idol in the sanctum. The temple near to this shrine is similar in plan. 

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

Nadyar Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Nadyar Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Nadyar Gudi is a Hindu Temple, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The temple was probably built in the 8^th century CE by the Chalukyas. This temple is situated close to Suryanarayana Temple. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This Temple is built in trikutachala style of architecture. This temple is probably the first temple built in this style. Only one shrine has shikara over it and the other two were lost. The roof of the temple is built in the form of wooden logs and this style is common among the temples in this complex. The pillars in the mandapa are cylindrical and ornate. The pillars are precursor to the Hoysala lathe turned pillars.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 100 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

Chakra Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Chakra Gudi, Aihole, Karnataka

Chakra Gudi is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. The temple is situated on the southern end of Durga Temple Complex. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE by Chalukyas and later extensively renovated by Rashtrakutas in 9^th century CE.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of Sanctum and Ranga Mandapa. This temple is known for its 20 sculptures of amorous couples engraved on the door frame of the sanctum. The lintel of the sanctum has carvings of Garuda holding two snakes. The shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style architecture. The temple is named as Chakragudi because of the shape of the amalaka atop its shikara. There is a Pushkarini (temple tank) beside the Chakra Gudi.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 100 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

Chalukya Shiva Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chalukya Shiva Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Chalukya Shiva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Malaprabha river in the heart of Aihole, an historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. This temple is considered be one of the oldest temples in the Aihole. The temple is situated to the south of the Durga Temple. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is considered be one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is believed to be built in 5^th century CE. It is believed that this temple was originally a hall where Pulakeshin I, the first sovereign ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi, had performed the Ashvamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice). Later, this temple was used for religious functions. Then it became a Surya Narayana Temple and subsequently a Shiva Temple. During the reign of Adil Shahi dynasty, a general named Lad Khan used this temple as his residence during his military campaign in the region. Thus, the temple came to be called as Lad Khan temple.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/06/chalukya-shiva-temple-aihole-temple.html

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 300 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

Jyotirlinga Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Jyotirlinga Group of Temples, Aihole, Karnataka

Jyotirlinga 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. It is a large cluster of over sixteen medieval Hindu temples and monuments. The temple is located to the east of the Durga Temple complex.

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 Group of Temples

The Jyotirlinga Group of temples contains sixteen Hindu temples and a large stepwell. Most of these temples are in ruined condition.

Main Temple:

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by eight pillars. Nandi is placed on the space formed between the four central pillars in the mukha mandapa, facing towards the sanctum. The mukha mandapa is accessed through flight of four steps on the southern side. The sabha mandapa is divided by two rows of pillars into a central nave and two side aisles. Sculptures of Ganesha, Saptamatrikas and lion can be seen in the sabha mandapa.

Temple No 2:

This temple is facing towards north. The temple consists of mukha mandapa, antrala and sanctum. The parapet walls with kakasanas run across the four sides of the mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is supported by sixteen pillars. The mukha mandapa can be accessed from the north, east and west. The roof the antrala is lost completely. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has the image of Gajalakshmi in its dedicatory block. The sanctum is square in plan. It enshrines a Shiva Linga. The roof and all the walls of the sanctum are completely lost.

Temple No 3:

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The mukha mandapa is lost completely. The sabha mandapa can be accessed through flight of two newly built steps. The lintel of the entrance door of the sabha mandapa has the image of Gajalakshmi. The sabha mandapa is supported by four central pillars, two pillars of the antrala, two pilasters of the entrance door and eight pilasters of the sides, which are now destroyed. The four decorative central pillars are placed on an elevated platform. The first pillar on the left has a seven-line kannada inscription. An image of Gajalakshmi can be seen on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum is square on plan. The shikara over the sanctum is of stepped pyramidal style but it is partially broken now.

Other Temples:

Most of the temples are in ruined condition, except for the Nandi mandapas and standing pillars of the long-lost mandapa.  Most of the temples are built by the early Chalukyas and Rashtrakuta dynasties. There are temples of Lord Vishnu (11^th century CE Kalyana Chalukya style), Sangamanatha (12^th century CE), Parasurama, Ramalinga and Brahma in the temples group. Sculptures of Ganesha, Karthikeya, Parvati and Ardhanarishvara (half Shiva, half Parvati) can be found in the premises.

Connectivity

The temple complex is located at about 300 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