Aihole Lad Khan Shiva Temple, Karnataka

Address

Aihole Lad Khan Shiva Temple, Aihole, Karnataka 587124

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

This Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest shiva temples and is located in the group of monuments at Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. Formerly dated to the 7th or 8th century, it is now dated to about the 5th century. It is located to the south of the Durga temple, Aihole. The Lad Khan temple has two matapas which looks like Shiva Linga. These mantapas are Mukhamantapa and Sabhamantapa. A Shiva Linga in the inner sanctum with a Nandi facing the shrine. It is said that earlier it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu but now it is a Shaivite temple.

Puranic Significance

The Lad Khan Temple, located within the Aihole temple complex, is one of the oldest temples in the region. It follows the Panchayatana style of architecture, featuring several distinct components. The shrine houses a Garba Griha, which contains a Shiva Linga. It is connected to a mukha mantapa, which in turn leads to the Sabha Mandapa or hall. Additionally, there is a Maha mandapa (great hall) with open windows.

The Mukha Mantapa is a pillared hall, while the other halls are spacious. The Mukha Mantapa is supported by twelve pillars, while the pillars holding up the sabhamantapa are arranged in two concentric squares. The temple boasts lattice-style windows and intricately carved walls adorned with floral designs. Both the outer and interior walls are adorned with carvings depicting Hindu mythologies. The pillars and carvings also feature interesting motifs.

One unique aspect of the Lad Khan Temple is its lack of a Shikhara or gopura, which indicates it follows a cave-temple style of architecture. Despite its simplicity, the temple exudes an exotic charm. The name “Lad Khan” can be somewhat misleading. The temple’s history suggests that it was named after a prince named Lad Khan, who is said to have used it as his residence for a period. After his passing, the temple was named Lad Khan Temple, possibly because a general named Lad Khan lived there as well.