AIHOLE

This small village is home to an astonishing array of temples. No fewer than 70 of them date from the Chalukya reign, from the^5th to the ^8th centuries, and the village is said to have had as many as 125. Aihole was the first capital of the Chalukya empire, before Badami. The temples built here are precursors of the Chalukya style, even if some of them date back to the ^12th century. As such, Aihole is considered by many archaeologists to be the cradle of Indian Hindu architecture. Chalukya craftsmen developed their own techniques, assembling stone blocks without using mortar, and focusing their sculptures on a single figure rather than a group. The temples are longer than they are wide or high, which is also a fairly typical feature.

Durga Temple Complex. This is the group of temples to which admission is charged.

The stunning Durga Temple, surrounded by a columned ambulatory, is emblematic of Aihole. Built between the ^7th and ^8th centuries, it blends Dravidian and Nagara styles. Although there is a representation of the goddess Durga inside the temple, it is not dedicated to her. Durga also means "protection" or "strong", and the temple appears to have been part of a Marathi fortress. The temple is said to be dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva, who are largely represented on the bas-reliefs on the walls.

Built around 450, the Ladkhan Temple is based on the plans of a village assembly hall, the panchayat: two adjoining halls and the sanctuary, adjoining the back wall. A nandi stands in the center of the 12-pillared mandapa, facing the sanctuary's linga. A nagara sikhara (tower with horizontal crenellations) was added later.

Next to this is the Gaudargudi Temple, with more open structures, and the Chakragudi Temple. A large well used to store water lies between these two temples.

Ravana Phadi Cave. Aihole has three cave temples, and this is the most complete and impressive. Its excavation dates back to the ^6th century. It consists of a double mandapa and a sanctuary housing a linga. The walls are richly decorated with high and low reliefs.

Galaganatha Temple Complex. This group on the banks of the Mallaprabha River comprises 38 temples. The main temple, believed to date from the ^8th century, can be identified by its Sikhara nagara and the depictions of Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance.

Huchimalli Temple. Located to the north of the village, this temple dates back to the ^7th century and shows an evolution in its layout. The sanctuary is preceded by an antechamber.

Kontigudi. In the middle of the village market, you'll find a group of 4 temples, only one of which is in ruins. They date back to the ^7th century, with later additions. The first of these temples features a beautiful representation of the Trimurti (Hinduism's divine trilogy of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu). It can be seen on the ceiling of the main hall.

Meguti Temple. Situated atop a small hill, this temple is dedicated to Mahavira, the ^24th tirthankar. It is therefore a Jain temple dating from the ^7th century. It stands on a platform. Steps lead up to the mandapa, and the shrine is located in the center of the temple. Inside, another staircase leads to a second shrine above the first. This takes you to the roof of the temple, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding area.