Lad Khan Temple, Aihole

The Lad Khan Temple is one of the oldest surviving Hindu structural temples in Aihole, built by the early Chalukyas around the 5th or 6th century CE. It gets its peculiar name from a Muslim commander, Lad Khan, who temporarily used the temple as his residence.

Dedicated to Shiva, its design strongly resembles ancient wooden hall architecture, featuring a massive porch with carved pillars and stone logs mimicking wooden beams on its roof. It offers fascinating insights into the transition from rock-cut to structural temple architecture.