Famous
as the "Cradle of Indian architecture", Aihole has over a hundred
temples scattered around the village. Wherever one looks, it's temples
theat meet the eyes. Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful.Mute
witnesses of a bygone era. The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad
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 shape, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The interior is filled with fascinating carvings. Chamlundi Devi trampling the buffalo demon. Narasimha-the half-man half-lion God.
Ardhanari
the half-male half-female deity Mahisasura 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 at top 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 temlples.
