AIHOLE - DURGA DEVALAYA

The very mention of Aihole, Badami and Pattadakkal recalls to the memory, the fantasic world of tall steeples broad prakaras, imposing mahadwaras surmounting majestic towers and innumerable mini shrines installed with a wide variety of deities adoring Hindu pantheon. The illustrious Chalukyan theist kings, it seems fancied to convert the entire sand stone hilly, region into a celestial city filled the icons of gods of all denominations. Clusters of monumental temples built for Hindu and Jain gods greet the visitors and transport them to ethereal worlds. Temples for Siva predominate over the other sects. The Sakti representations too are many and some of them are still drawing steady streams of devotees and tourists throughout the year. Among them the Banasankari and Durga shrines find reverent mention.

The Durga temple though in dilapidated condition is still exercising its hold on the devotees by its inimitable sculptural marvels. The intricately carved Hoyasala Pillar found in this temple complex is a superb piece of sculpture of perennial fascination. 

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]