Idea #391 – Discovering the temples of the old city Aihole in India
Aihole is a city of the State of Karnataka in India. It is considered as its 125 temples built in 5th century by the dynasty of Chalukyas, distributed in twenty two groups. Let us quote in particular the temple of Durga, built between the VIIth and the VIIIth century by the dynasty of Chalukyas, near both chalukyas capitals Badami and Pattadakal. The latter does not owe its name to the goddess Durga, but to the fortress, maybe the fortified wall, which surrounded the temple. We do not know to which god it was dedicated because the representations of Vishnu are also numerous as those of Shiva.
The most original characteristic of the temple is an iron peristyle on horseback bounding an ambulatory which makes the tower of the temple itself and walls of which are covered with sculptures of various gods or goddesses. In the South of the Temple of Durga is stable-lad’s temple Khan, is one of older Hindu temples, dedicated to Shiva. It was built in 5th century by the dynasty of Chalukyas. It bears the name of a Muslim prince who had made it its residence. The set is very picturesque, a part of temples being lost in the middle of houses.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Aihole, Karnataka, India
