Aihole Tourism, Ancient Temple, History, Chalukya Rule, Karnataka |Pravase

History, Best Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Aihole, Karnataka

Aihole, previously known as different name like Aryapura or Ahivolal or Aivalli or Ayyavole located on bank of river Malaprabha, just at 10 km from Pattadakal – the UNESCO World Heritage and 35 km from Badami is highly significant site in terms of religious and historical importance. Aihole is the site of ancient temple of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist dated back to 6th century to 12th century where more than 125 majestic temples were built mainly during the Chalukya rule. Once it was the capital of Chalukya Dynasty, thus it holds spiritual, cultural and rich heritage values since more than 1500 years. Aihole is famed as cradle of Hindu - Dravidian temple architecture and always of interest point for archaeologists, history and architecture lover. Here thousands of tourist visit throughout the year and especially during the several festival.

There are lot is interesting and important monuments in Aihole like Durga Temple, Meguti Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi cave, Huchimalli Temple, Gowda Temple, Suryanarayana Temple, Meganagudi group, Huchappayyagudi Temple etc. Also you can plan to visit Badami and Pattadakal during your visit to Aihole.

You can find lots of inscription and text where Aihole monuments and history is mentioned. One of the important and detailed one is Aihole Inscription written in Sanskrit and old Kannada script, composed by the Jain poet Ravikeerthi from which is history of this period found. The successes of Pulakesi II, mainly his victory against Harshavardhana, the ruler of Northern India is mentioned in this. Pulakesi II was one of the famous Chalukya king who follows the Jainism and rule in 7th century.

Interesting legend associated with the name of Aihole and Lord Parasuram, the sixth incarnation of Supreme Lord Vishnu. It is said that Parasuram had washed his blood-stained hands and battle axe after the killing of Kshatriya who were misusing their military powers. It is said that after this the river turned in red and while women saw this, they were scared and say Ayyo Hole’ means ‘Oh No Blood!’ in kannada, hence it was named Aihole. Also as per the 19th-century local tradition, it is believed that rock footprints in the river were those of Parashurama.

How to Reach Aihole, Historical and Religious Site, Badami and Pattadakal, Karnataka, India

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.

Taluka / Tehsil: Hospet, District: Ballari, State: karnataka, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu