Description:
Aihole which is known as cradle of Indian temple architecture has several temples worth a visit. The Durga (Fort) Temple is the most decorated temple of Aihole. The fearsome idol of the deity slaying the Mahishasura is awe inspiring with the most minute details carved to perfection. There are over fifty temples within the fort walls and fifty outside - fine examples of Hoysala, Buddhist, and Jain, Dravida, Nagara and Rekhanagara styles.
An unusual temple of Hutchimalli has an idol of Lord Vishnu sitting on the head of his seat, the sanke Vasuki. The Ravana Phadi Cave dates back to the sixth century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it has innumerous sculptures of Lord Shiva in His various forms.
Other remarkable sites are the Konta Temple Complex of four temples, the Uma Maheswari Temple having a beautifully carved idol of Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storied Buddhist Temple. There is a Buddha on the ceiling of the temple. The smile of the face of the Lord truly shows the tranquility that prevailed the Lord from within.
