Aihole Mallikarjuna Temple complex, Karnataka

Address

Aihole Mallikarjuna Temple complex, Aihole, Karnataka 587124

Diety

Mallikarjuna

Introduction

This temple is located at a distance of about 500 meters from Aihole Bus Stand & Durga Temple Complex, Mallikarjuna Temples are a group of temples situated on the way to Meguti Jain Temple past Jyotirlinga Temple Complex. Mallikarjuna group of temples is situated right besides Aihole hillock. A small board at the entrance gives out some basic info about these temples. The towering Shikhara dominates the picture and the sloping roof temple adds style to the skyline. The temples are about 12 feet apart. Five mini pillars fixed into the floor next to the temple. These are similar to the ones in front of Lad Khan temple. this structure.. seems like a modern day garage, The Shikhara is incomplete. The three smaller temples of the group, one of them have a large Shiva Lingam.

Puranic Significance

This complex has five shrines. The Mallikarjuna, perhaps a creation of the 8th century is standing on a pedestal with a Mukhamantapa, Rangamantapa and a sanctum. Mantapa pillars have fine sculptures: A female dancer with two female instrument players, seated Narasimha, erotic couple Padmanidhi, etc. The temple has a phamsana Shikhara. It resembles the Mallikarjuna temple at Pattadakal. Shrine no.3 has an incomplete phamsana Shikhara. The fourth shrine is called Karegudi (black Pagoda) and its Mantapa has 16 pillars, ten of them are Kalyan Chalukya style. The temple is asigned to the X century. Another shrine is Bilegudi (white Pagoda) which has no image in the sanctum, but the Mantapa’s ceiling has a fine lotus in relief. This temple is mostly open but has a serious look. The interior has 16 columns supporting the roof. The low ceiling creates a cool atmosphere inside.

Century/Period/Age

8th century CE.

Managed By

Archeological survey of India.

Nearest Bus Station

Aihole

Nearest Railway Station

Bagalkot

Nearest Airport

Belgaum

lightuptemple