Aihole, about 30 km from Badami, was the capital of the Chalukyan empire between the 4th and 6th centuries. It is loaded with old temples, a hundred or more, some restored, many remaining only as ruins lost among the streets of the town.
Entering Aihole from Badami | Temple ruins and farm carts |
Ruins in Aihole | Hilltop fort |
However, not all is left to decay. There is a well-tended park area containing about 10 temples. Here, for instance, is the famous Durga Temple. This temple seems to be unique for its semi-circular apse, much like a European cathedral, but in this case with an open colonnaded verandah which runs all around it.
Durga Temple entrance | Durga Temple apse |
Durga Temple - garbhagria | Sculpture of Durga |
Beautiful Naga sculpture on ceiling of Durga Temple | View of Durga Temple from Ladkhan Temple |
Nearby, there is such a cluster of temples that one wonders why they built so many temples so close together.
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