Aihole Temple Complex

Aihole Temple Complex is a group of over 120 stone temples located in Aihole village, Bagalkot District, Karnataka, on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Developed between the 6th and 8th centuries CE under the Early Chalukyas, it is regarded as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. The complex includes notable structures like the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple and Meguti Jain Temple, displaying early experiments in Nagara and Dravida styles.

Visitors can explore a sprawling open-air archaeological complex with more than 120 temples and shrines set among village lanes and rocky terrain. Expect to see apsidal, flat-roofed and towered temples, intricate stone carvings, pillared halls, and the hilltop Meguti Jain Temple with views over the village. The central Durga Temple complex is enclosed and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, with an archaeological museum nearby. Walking between clusters is required.

Built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE under the Early Chalukyas of Badami, Aihole served as an architectural laboratory where over 120 temples were constructed experimenting with different plans, roof forms and styles. The Meguti Jain Temple bears an inscription dated 634 CE. The site shows the transition from flat-roofed shrines to Nagara and Dravida vimana styles that influenced later South Indian temple architecture.

The complex demonstrates early Hindu and Jain religious art and iconography, reflecting the pluralistic patronage of the Chalukya period. It is considered the cradle of temple architecture in Karnataka and remains an important centre for study of temple evolution, sculpture and iconography, as well as a pilgrimage and heritage tourism destination.