Kunti Temple Complex

The Kunti temple is at 700 meters of distance from Durga temple, it also has three other temples. The temple is not visible from the main road as it is in the middle of the Aihole village. It is among the best places to visit in Aihole.

On the ceilings of the temple, you can see the illustrations of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The locals believe that the temple was constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries. Among the three temples, the two temples face west. While another one temple faces east. The temple has a covered entrance linked to it.

Architecture

The four temples together are called as the Kunti group of monuments.  The monuments are in the middle of the markets of Aihole but the high walls keep them separate from the market. It is belief that some monuments are since 8th century. The temple is also having a porch and a sanctuary with it. 

The temple has a small area at the entrance with some sculptures. It also has a row of stones columns with equal spaces between them with square pillars. The sculptures on the entrance have natural and romantic couples on them. The temple also has a mandapa with carving of the traditions of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. 

Tourists can see many sculptures like Lord Vishnu sleeping on Sesha. Other sculptures are Lors Shiva in Yoga Asana, Lord Brahma holding pasha and Kamandalu on a Lotus. It also includes Durga killing a demon buffalo and a damaged pillar with eight hands, possibly Shiva, carrying trishul, chakra, and dhanus.

One carving depicts the goddess Uma donning a yajnopavita while Shiva stands beside her. You can also see standing Vishnu avatars Narasimha, Nataraja, Gajalakshmi, Ganesha, and Shiva with pearl yajnopavita. Visitors can also observe other Vedic deities in the temples, like Agni, Indra, Kubera, Ishana, and Vayu.

The best time to visit Kunti Temple Complex

The best time to visit Aihole is from October to March. Since the weather is excellent and visitors have a great time. In December and January, the temperature is only mildly to moderately cold. The months of April through September are scorching and unsuitable for travel. When planning the Aihole tour package, remember to include the Kunti Temple Complex in your itinerary.