Durga temple is a historical temple from the Middle Ages. It is in Aihole, in the state of Karnataka. As name indicates, the temple is dedicated to the Mother Goddess Durga. The word “Durg” means guardian or protector. However, the temple also has the statues of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The temple also has a statue of Maa Durga making it a must among the places to visit in Aihole. 

Tourists can see various images of Lord Vishnu and Shiva around the temple. It also has a poem in the honor of Karnataka representing its spiritual and religious legacy. The maintains if the temple is under the Archaeological survey of India. It is also under the UNESCO world heritage sites. It is a very popular pilgrimage destination that must be included in your Aihole your package. 

History of Durga Temple

The construction of the Durga temple was done by the Chalukya Dynasty between the 7th and 8th century. The temple has played important in many historical events. There is many evidence proving that there was a possibility of involvement of temple in the Maratha’s fortification.  

The Chaitya halls are in the style of the Buddhism. They were popular in India during the region of the Maurya, Gupta and Pala kingdoms. Later, it changed into a characteristic apsidal pattern, among the Hindus. It got quite popular in India before the spread of Buddhism and started to develop in the successful way. 

Architecture

In South India, the construction of the Durga temple in Aihole is in the Dravidian style. Its architecture resembles to the one found in early Hinduism. The sanctorum of Garbha Girah is in the center of the pillars. 

It creates an apse for the deity's holy parikrama. The tower that sits atop the core of the temple also serves as the foundation for the outlying structures.

Intricate sculptures of Hindu gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and Hindi motifs may be seen on the pillars and parapet walls. The outer side of the pillars features six essential sculptures. It includes Shiva Nandi Bull, Narasimha, and Varaha, avatars of Lord Vishnu. Also has Harihara and the Durga sculpture spearing the demon with her trident.