bagalkot

Well known as the temple complex of Karnataka and home to about 125 Chalukyan temples, this city is a splendid touristy destination. True to its sobriquet, it is home to hundreds of temples each of which has a distinctly beautiful structure. Located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka at a distance of around 510 kms from Bangalore, Aihole is known for its Chalukyan architecture. It is also among the contenders for a position in the UNESCO World heritage site. The architecture flourished around the 6th century AD during the reign of Badami Chalukyas. The towns of Pattadakkal and Badami are also located nearby and together, they form a great region to witness the marvel and grandeur of Chalukyan architecture.
 

The Ravana Phadi is one of the oldest rock cut cave temples in Aihole, dating back to the 6th century AD. It is located to the south east of the Hucchimalli Temple. Consisting of large carved pillars and a veranda, this temple houses a Shiva Linga in the inner sanctum. It features a rectangular shrine with two mantapas and its sanctum is inclusive of an entrance hall with three entrances. Its walls are also covered with various carvings of Lord Shiva. The carvings mainly depict the dancing postures of Shiva as Nataraja, surrounded by the Saptamatrikas.
 

Gowda Temple, a 12th century shrine, is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi and is counted amongst the most important tourist attractions of Aihole region. This temple displays Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture and has 16 pillars on its outer wall, which are placed on a high moulded base. The stone slabs that are placed between the pillars play the role of walls. This temple, situated to the northern side of the Jain Temples, is constructed on the same lines of the nearby Lad Khan Temple.
 

Ambigera Gudi is the group of three temples which are believed to have been constructed in 10th century. These temples are located within proximity of Durga Temple and Chikkigudi, just outside Aihole Fort. The largest of these three temples includes a Rekhanagara Tower and has been assigned to 10th century. There are several other mesmerising shrines at the location and, thus, visiting this temple can be a good experience for tourists if they have time at hand while passing by Aihole.
 

Travellers visiting Aihole can look forward to seeing Badigera Gudi if time permits. This shrine, initially known as the Surya Temple, belongs to 9th century AD and consists of a hall, porch and a cell temple, along with a rekhanagara tower. Four central pillars, twelve pilasters and mukhamandapa used to support a hall that was present here earlier. The garbagriha of the temple was located in the central and back bays of this hall. Badigera Gudi underwent many changes between 11th and 12th centuries, such as the erection of a pidha type shikhara and establishment of smaller shrines that stood in south west corner on the axis of the original temple.
 

It is suggested that travellers passing by Aihole should make a stop at Chakra Gudi, located in proximity of Lad Khan Temple. It was built in 9th century and has a hall, a sanctum, a rekhanagara style tower and sculptures of 20 couples carved at the sanctum doorframe.