Aihole Ambigera Gudi Temple, Karnataka

Address

Aihole Ambigera Gudi Temple, Ambigera Gudi Complex, Aihole, Karnataka 587124

Diety

Surya (shiva), Vishnu

Introduction

Ambigera Gudi is a set of three temples in Aihole, Karnataka, located 35 km north-east of Badami. At a distance of less than 100 meters from Aihole Bus Stand.

Puranic Significance

The temple is Built in 6th century CE, Ambigera Gudi is one of the archaeologically significant temple complexes. It faces the middle monument, which is largest of the three. The middle monument has experimented with an open verandah design concept with sloping slaps for roof cover. The sanctum is inside, and it contains a damaged Surya (Sun god) image whose crown is visible.

Special Features

The Ambigergudi temple derived its name from the Ambiger community, who were boatmen and lived in the vicinity of the temple. This temple complex consists of one main temple, now in a state of ruin, and two smaller shrines. The second temple is relatively small and contains damaged images of Surya and Vishnu. The third temple is a simple structure devoid of carvings and images.

The third monument within the Ambigergudi complex showcases Late Chalukya design elements dating back to the 11th century. Although the temple exhibits all the fundamental features of a Hindu temple, it has suffered damage over time. The sanctum lacks its central image, and many intricate carvings on the walls have been defaced. The temple’s architecture experiments with square and cubic-shaped elements, as well as the arrangement of space. The Dravida-style design above the sanctum walls features repeated motifs resembling a tower structure as it ascends. Unfortunately, the capping roof and finial are missing.

The archaeological significance of the Ambigergudi temple is associated with limited excavations near the foundation of the rear wall of the sanctum. These excavations revealed red-ware bowls dating back to the 1st and 3rd century CE, as well as the outline of an earlier brick temple, possibly predating the stone temple. It is hypothesized that the 3rd-century CE brick temple served as a model and sanctum foundation upon which the more enduring stone temple was constructed. However, this hypothesis remains tentative, as additional evidence either supporting or refuting it has not been uncovered. According to Hemanth Kamdambi, Chalukyan temple inscriptions from the 6th to 8th century do not mention the existence of prior temples in the area. The Ambigergudi temple is a protected monument under the laws of the Indian government and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.