Sri Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples, Karnataka

Address

Sri Ramalingeshwara Group of Temples, Near durga temple, Ramalinga Temple Complex, Aihole, Karnataka 587124

Diety

Ramalingeshwara (Shiva)

Introduction

Ramalinga complex, also called Ramalingeshvara temples, is a group of five temples. These are located on the banks of the Malaprabha river, about 2.5 kilometers south of the Durga temple complex in Aihole.. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva as Ramalingeshwara. The temple is completely neglected. They are clustered close to the Veniyar and the Galaganatha monument groups in a hilly terrain. The Ramalingeshwara temples are a Shiva worship complex. It is periodically refurbished, white washed and redecorated for seasonal festivals. But the temple is now under dilapidated condition. Its entrance has a modern wooden chariot with old stone wheels used for annual processions. The entrance portal has a Shiva Nataraja and two lions carvings, while the main temple consists of three shrines that connect with a common mandapa. Two of the shrines have pyramidal towers with shrinking squares concentrically placed, as does the main shrine, but two have their amalaka and kalasa a bit lower and intact. The mandapa is covered with a slopping stone roof. The temple incorporates an arched gate with a path to the river.