Aihole
Famous
as the "cradle of Indian architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples
scattered around the village. Wherever, one looks, it's temples that meet
the eyes. Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful. Mute witnesses
of a bygone era.
The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Ladh Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. On the roof of the temple is another shrine-like vimana. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The interior is filled with fascinating Carvings. Chamundi Devi trampling the buffalo demon. Narasimha-the- half-man half-lion God. Ardhanari the half-male half-female deity. Mahishasura Mardini... In this same complex, is the first model of an intricately carved lathe-turned pillar.
The Hutchimalli Temple - out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra.
Dating back to the 6th Century, the Ravalphadi Cave - Temple celebrates the many forms of Shiva.
Not-to-be-missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi),the Uma Maheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple. Climb up the stairs and you'll come across a tranquil, smiling Buddha carved on the ceiling.
This then is Aihole, the earliest capital of the Chalukyas. Today, a picturesque village nestling on the banks of the Malaprabha river and overflowing with clusters and clusters of the most beautiful temples.
HOW TO GET THERE
- Rail : The nearest railway station is Badami.
- Road : Aihole is connected by road to:
- Pattadakal (17 kms)
- Badami (46 kms)
- Bangalore (483 kms)
Pattadakal
Situated on the left bank of the
Malaprabha river, Pattadakal - a World Heritage Centre - has 10 major
temples representing early Chalukyan architecture.
The biggest temple here is dedicated to Vinipaksha. Enclosed in a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells, it has a massive gateway and several inscriptions. Besides scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, there is a wonderful carving designed to look like an elephant from one side and a buffalo from the other.
In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 metres high Nandi. In contrast to the pink-tinged sandstone temples, the Nandi is made of deep green stone and is covered in a red floral cape.
The Virupaksha temple is still used for worship.
Stop now at the Mallikarjuna and Papanatha temples - delicatelychiselled, rich in detail. The inner hall of the Papanatha temple is guarded by Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall with beautiful carvings. The Jain Temple here is from the Rashtrakuta Period.
Besides these temples is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side. The detailed descriptions in the sculptures of the temples give an insight into the social life of those days.
HOW TO GET THERE
- Rail : The nearest railway station is Badami, 24 kms away.
- Road : Pattadakal is connected by road to:
- Pattadakal (17 kms)
- Aihole (24 kms)
- Badami (29 kms)
Last modified: 26/02/2004