Aihole - Cradle of the Hindu Temple Architecture

Aihole, is a well known historical place which has earlierThe Durga Fort- This Temple is known for its
been the Capital of the Chalukyas. This is a strikingsemi-circular arches and a large gallery that
village town on the banks of the river Malaprabha. Theencompasses the shrine. Here one can see the idol of
region of Aihole has some of the most beautifulGoddess Chamlundi Devi punishing the buffalo demon.
temple complex which attracts travelers in largeThere are numerous beautifully carved sculptures on
number. This is an ideal place for vacation; travelersthe walls which includes the deity of Ardhanari the
come from various parts of the world and admire thehalf-male half-female. These skillfully sculptures leave
historic monuments of Aihole. Aihole has the array ofits visitors spellbind.
some splendid temple ruins in particular. All the templesThe Hutchimalli Temple- Is another attraction, the
of Aihole have superb, complex carvings which weretemple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is to
done skillfully between the 5th and 8th centuries.be found outside the village and has an image of
The region has as many as 125 temples which leaveVishnu, perching atop a colossal cobra.
one awestruck. These temples are further divided intoThe Revalphadi Cave Temple- This Revalphadi Cave
22 groups and are spread over the whole village. Thetemple is the major attraction. This cave temple is
town is well connected with Badami, one can reachdevoted to Lord Shiva and is known for its
here bus and catch the glimpse of the historicwell-designed and intricate carvings. The temple was
monuments. The temples of Aihole have witnessedbuilt in 6th Century and shows the diverse forms of
the splendid past of Chalukya regime.Lord Shiva.
SOME OF THE WELL KNOWN TEMPLES OFKonthi Temple Complex- This Uma Maheswari
AIHOLETemple has ravishing carved sculpture of Lord
Ladhkhan TempleBrahma. Here Bramha is seen nestling on a lotus.
Ladhkhan temple- This is the oldest temple structureMuseums & Art Galleries
which dates back to the 5th century. There is a shrine-Aihole also has some Sculpture Gallery which is
like Vimana on the roof of the temple which attractsmaintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
the visitors.Tourists come here in large number and extract lots of
The Durga (Fort) Templehistorical information.