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Durga Temple, Aihole
ದುರ್ಗಾ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Aihole, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Chalukya dynasty (7th-8th century CE)OtherHindu (Vaishnava)ASI-protectedAI Compiled
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About
The Durga Temple in Aihole is the most prominent and famous temple in the Aihole complex. Uniquely, its name does not derive from the Goddess Durga, but from the word 'Durg' (fortress), as it once formed part of a fortification. It was originally dedicated to Surya or Vishnu.
It features a remarkable apsidal layout (U-shaped) inspired by ancient Buddhist chaitya halls. Built in the late 7th or early 8th century by the early Chalukyas, the temple blends North and South Indian architectural elements and is renowned for its beautifully carved circumambulatory gallery.