Aihole Veniyar Group of Temples, Karnataka

Address

Aihole Veniyar Group of Temples, Karnataka

Aihole,

Karnataka 587124

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

Veniyar Group of Temples is group of ten Temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of the Malaprabha River in the outskirts of Aihole, and historical town, in Bagalkot District in Karnataka, India. Aihole is situated on Pattadakal to Amingad route.

Puranic Significance

The tempes in the complex were probably built between 9th and 11th Century CE. This temple is protected as monuments of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India.

Special Features

This temple complex comprises ten temples. The primary temple within this group faces east, while its entrance is oriented toward the south. The temple is composed of three main sections: the Mukha Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, and Sanctum. In front of the Mukha Mandapa, there is a damaged stone Sthamba. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The entrance to the Maha Mandapa features a lintel adorned with Gajalakshmi. The Maha Mandapa has a square layout and is upheld by four central pillars arranged in a square pattern, along with ten pilasters on its four sides. The entrance lintel of the sanctum also displays Gajalakshmi, and the ceiling is adorned with a carved lotus. Within the sanctum, there resides a Shiva Linga. Above the sanctum, there is a stepped pyramid-like shikara with progressively diminishing concentric squares as the tower ascends into the sky.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/veniyar-group-of-temples-aihole-karnataka.html