Durga group of temples, Aihole, Karnataka, located 35 Km north-east of Badami were built by Chalukyas between 5th and 8th Century CE.
Durga Gudi complex consists of 12 temples and two stepwells.
The main temple dedicated to Vishnu is replete with intricate carvings and exquisite sculpturing on its pillars, walls and ceilings.
The Shiva temple built in 450 CE is an amazing structure – natural light coming through the stone-lattice windows lit inside; the stone beams on the roof mimic wooden logs.
Gaudargudi temple is dedicated to Gauri (Parvati) where architects are said to have integrated pradakshina patha (circumambulatory path) in to temple designs for the first time.
The Chakragudi temple is notable for its Nagara-style Shikhara (tower); The Suryanarayana and Badigargudi temples for its pyramidal shikharas.
Aihole – what a splendid heritage!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bTg2VSu98KwpiiJ8A
#drive #heritage #nature
About Aihole:
Aihole was the first capital of Chalukyas (5th century CE) and had an illustrious history during 5th to 8th century CE. Capital was later moved to Badami (Vatapi).
Aihole holds great cultural significance as the cradle of temple architecture. Chalukyan architecture was the front runner, and laid the foundation for many more to follow – such as Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Kakatiya, Vijayanagara – over the next 1000+ years.
Chalukya dynasty (5th to 8th century CE) later led to creation of Western Chalukyas (Kalyani based, Karnataka / Telangana regions) and Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi based, Andhra and Orissa regions).
Aihole and Malaprabha river are ancient, associated with Parashurama’s times (Threta Yuga).
Aihole is a treasure, with 125+ structures dating back to Chalukyan times (5th to 8th century CE). Excavations and discoveries still continue here.
