Aihole

City of temples


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
Entering Aihole from Badami Temple ruins and farm carts
Ruins in Aihole Hilltop fort
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 entrance Durga Temple apse
Durga Temple - garbhagria Sculpture of Durga
Durga Temple - garbhagria Sculpture of Durga
Naga View of Durga Temple
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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