Location : 43 Kms From Kudala
Sangama, Karnataka
Famous as : Cradle Of Indian Temple
Architecture
Also Called As : Ayyavole, Aryapura
Best Season : October to February |
Tourism in
Aihole
Cradle Of Indian Architecture Located 43 Kms
from Kudala Sangama, Aihole was the ancient
capital of Chalukyas. Famous as the cradle
of "Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a
hundred temples scattered around the
village.
There are about 125 temples divided into 22
groups scattered all over the villages and
nearby fields. Most of these temples were
built between the 6th & 8th centuries and
some even earlier.
The Legend
The name Aihole has an interesting story
behind it. According to one legend,
Parashurama after avenging the murder of his
father came to the Malaprabha and washed his
axe here. The river is said to have turned
red causing him to exclaim "ai, ai! holi!"
(ah, the river!).
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Lad Khan Temple:
The oldest temple here is perhaps, the Lad
Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century.
Originally a royal assembly hall and
marriage mandapa, a Muslim official
converted it into his residence. On the roof
of the main temple is another shrine-like
vimana.
The Durga (Fort) Temple:
It is notable for its semi-circular apse,
elevated plinth and the gallery that
encircles the sanctum. Fascinating carvings
of Chamundi Devi trampling the buffalo
demon; Narasimha, the 'half-man-half-lion
god'; the Ardhanari, half man and half woman
deity; Mahishasura Mardini and many more
sculptures can be seen here.
Hutchimalli Temple:
The temple on the outskirts of the village
has a sculpture of lord Vishnu sitting atop
a large cobra.
Ravalphadi Cave:
Dedicated to Shiva, the cave is remarkable
for its details. Dating back to 6th century,
the cave celebrated the various forms of
Shiva.
Not-to-be-missed are the Konthi Temple
Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari
Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma
seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti
Temple and the two storeyed Buddhist Temple.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail:
The Nearest Railway station is Bagalkot.
Road:
Aihole is connected by road to: Pattadakal
(17 kms), Badami (46 kms) Bangalore (438 kms).
Local Transport:
Cycle Rickshaws, Tongas, City Bus Service.
WHERE TO STAY
Tourist Rest House, Aihole, Hungund Taluk.
Tourist Rest Houses of Tourism Department.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Languages: Kannada, Hindi and English.
STD Code: 08351
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