History, Importance, Timings, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Durga Temple, Aihole, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
Ancient Durga Temple, the majestic architecture marvel is located at the historic site of Aihole in state of Karnataka where more than 120 temples of Hindu, Jain and Buddhism which spread over an area of about 5 kms. The temple is under the protection of the Archeological Survey of India and is also awaiting to be declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the name of temple everyone thinks that temple is dedicated to goddess Durga but its misunderstanding as temple is dedicated to Lord Sun or Lord Siva or Lord Vishnu. Durga temple was named from the proximity to Durg which means fort and temples was part of fortification. Durga Temple was built during the 7th - 8th century during the Chalukya dynasty. Durga temple present the combination of Dravidian and Nagara architecture style. Aihole is cradle of Hindu Architecture and center for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples. This region was a major cultural and religious center under the early Chalukyas who were responsible for building most of the Hindu Monuments there.
This quadrilateral shaped and one of the wonder of Aihole is the best example of exquisite stone work architectural techniques displayed in a temple. It is believed that the temple was built by Kumara dedicated to Lord Surya. The walls were built by Marathas during their reign during the 17th and 18th Centuries. Fascinatingly, the design of the temple displays a fusion of the South Indian Dravidian and North Indian Nagara style of architecture. The shape of the temple in Indian traditional architecture is known as Gaja Prasa which means the resemblance to the black of an elephant. The Pradakshina path is lined with pillars the unique style of Chalukya architecture. It is believed that the temple originally was dedicated to Surya but perhaps either Vishnu or Shiva as there are various sculptures of them on the temple walls. One of the most beautiful sculptures of the Durga Temple Aihole is of Goddess Durga. Another impressive one is the seven headed serpent carved at the ceiling of the Durga Temple. From the front there are two staircases which provide access to the porch with many richly carved relief panels. The outer walls of the temple have intricately carved figures of Narasimha, Mahishasuramardini, Varaha, Vishnu, etc. Further the temple has artworks showing scenes of daily lives and couples including several amorous couples in various stages of courtship. The interiors of the temple are also noteworthy with intricate and beautiful carvings. The Durga temple is truly a cradle of Indian history and Heritage.
The temple is part of heritage site and hence the regular pujas and worship are not performed at this shrine. Along with Durga Temple, you can also visit the other architecture marvel of Aihole during you day trip.
How to Reach Ancient Durga Temple, Aihole, Historical and Religious Site, Badami and Pattadakal, Karnataka, India
Durga temple complex is one the key attraction of Aihole, Karnataka. As Aihole is one of the important historical and religious side near Badami and Pattadakal in Bagalkot district in state of Karnataka and home to more than 125 ancient temple. Thus, it is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. Badami has major railway station which is around 35 km Aihole from where you can get train to all major station of India. You can get government and private vehicle from nearby cities to reach here by road. The nearest airport from Aihole are Hubli Airport at 143 km and Belgaum Airport at 189 km. There are regular flights to Belgaum from all major cities in the country. Aihole is located at just 35 km from Badami, 13 km from Pattadakal, 37 km from Bagalkot and 138 km from Hampi.
