Nov 30, 2013

Durga Gudi, Aihole

This is not a temple of Goddess Durga, but addressed so due to its vicinity to the fort (Durga). Its a Shiva temple now but originally it was Surya temple. Sources say that Durga Gudi was built by Aateda Ale Komarasingha during the days of Vikramaditya II. It is one of the examples of temple design experimentation that took place at Aihole during the late VII and early VII century CE.

South-West view
The temple is apsidal in shape with its back resembling the hind part of an elephant (Gajaprishtha). Standing on a high pedestal, it has a damaged Rekhanagara Shikhara; its colonnade divides the temples into apse and aisle, and the columns pass behind the apsidal sanctum. It has a frontal mantapa with steps to reach the temple from east and west.

South-East view
The temple is surrounded by a parapet and short pillars support its roof together with the inner colonnade. Its exterior has images of Shiva, Mahishamardini, various forms of Vishnu and scenes from Ramayana. The Mantapa pillars have figures of gods, goddesses and an amorous couple.

Tusk like projections from square pillars in the Mukhamantapa.
Coiled Nagadeva on the ceiling of Mukhamantapa.
Garuda on lintel of the door between Mukhamantapa and Sabhamantapa
defaced images of amorous couples
defaced images of amorous couples
The ambulatory has several Devakoshtas with images of Shiva, Vishnu, Narasimha, Varaha, Mahishamardini and other characters. Also there windows, all unique in design.
.

Shiva & Nandi. Rectangular mesh window in floral design.
Vishnu & Garuda. Narasimha.
Window of concentric circles with a floral center.
Varaha & Bhoodevi. Window of concentric circles diverging radial segments.
Checkered mesh window. Durga slaying Mahishasura. 
Checkered mesh window. Vishnu.
Square pillars in Mukhamantapa.
Square pillars in Mukhamantapa.
North-West view
North-East view
a small nameless temple close to Durga Gudi
Kalyani next to Durga Gudi
This structure is believed to be the gateway to Durga Gudi.
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Nov 23, 2013

What to see in Aihole?

Aihole occupies a unique place in the history of temple architecture, many call it as the cradle of temple architecture. Early Chalukyan kings (450 - 750 CE) tried and tested various designs and temple building technology. Today in Aihole there are more than 120 temples, divided into 22 groups by the archaeological department. Aihole is situated on the right bank of river Malaprabha (major tributary of river Krishna) in Bagalkot district, Karnataka.

Durga temple and Aihole fort
Ravalaphadi and Prehistoric burial chamber
Aihole's history goes back to prehistoric times, its original name 'Ayyavole' has a legendary connection; the name is associated with the story of Parashurama slaying the entire Kshatriya race with his axe. It is said that Parashurama washed his bloodied axe in Malaprabha turning the river's water red. At that time few women from the village had come to the river to take water; at the sight of red water they all shouted 'Ayya Holi!' meaning 'Oh the river!'. Hence the place came to be known as Ayyahole ~ Aihole. As per inscriptions Aihole was also known by the name Aryapura.

Aihole's prehistoric connection is strong; it is a part of a huge prehistoric site covering hills and valleys between Badami - Pattadakal - Aihole. The sandstone hillock to the east of Aihole has plenty of evidence of prehistoric activity; rock paintings, stone circle and megalithic burial chambers have been found here and they can be seen to this day. Also archaeologists have found stone implements dating back to Neolithic period in Malaprabha riverbed.

Here's a map showing the known monuments of Aihole.

Zooming into village Aihole


Here's a list of temples, while most are groups of temples some are individual temples. (click on hyper-links to see details).
  1. Durga temple complex and Archaeological museum
  2. Ambigyar temple complex
  3. Rachi temple
  4. Eniyar temple or Veniyar temple
  5. Huchappayyana Matha
  6. Kunti Gudi complex
  7. Charantimath complex
  8. Tryambakeshwara temple complex
  9. Gowri temple
  10. Jain temple complex
  11. Chikki temple
  12. Tarabasappa temple complex
  13. Hucchimalli temple complex
  14. Ravanaphadi rock-cut temple
  15. Jyotirlinga temple complex
  16. Mallikarjuna temple complex
  17. Buddhist Charityalaya
  18. Meguti temple and fort
  19. Boyar Gudi
  20. Ancient quarry site
  21. Rock-cut Jain Basadi
  22. Prehistroic burial chambers and Prehistoric rock art
  23. Galaganatha temple complex
  24. Ramlingeshwara temple complex
  25. Ruins of Aihole fort
  26. Cairns or Stone Circles
Looking beyond Aihole, on the surrounding hills are several prehistoric sites, forts, temples and ancient quarries. Some noteworthy places close to Aihole are-
  1. Maliyavvana Gudi
  2. Akkargal fort
  3. Shankarlingeshwara Gudi at Motar Maradi
  4. Ancient sandstone quarry at Motar Maradi
  5. Siddanakolla (also known as Siddhankal)
  6. Haalsiddeshwara fort
PS: A day is not enough to see everything in Aihole. Perhaps in two days you can rush through the place. Aihole is still a simple little villages, with just one lodge (KSTDC). There are few small eateries and shops selling packaged snacks, bottled water and soft-drinks. All monuments are open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Archaeological museum is open from 9 AM  to 5 PM Saturday to Thursday and closed on Fridays. Nearest hotel is 40 kms away at Badami.
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Nov 16, 2013

Durga Temple Complex, Aihole

Aihole, the cradle of temple architecture is one of the oldest and most important historical places in Karnataka. The little sleepy village is home to a prehistoric site and ancient temples; sources say there are 125 temples, built over several centuries by the kings of Badami Chalukyan dynasty. Archaeological department has divided Aihole's temples into 22 groups and the most popular group is the Durga Gudi complex named after the aesthetically prominent structure - Durga Gudi.

Of all monuments at Aihole, tourists are required to buy tickets only at Durga Gudi complex. Entry fees for children is Rs.5 and Rs. 10 for adults. Separate entry fee for for museum is charged- Rs.5 and Rs. 10 for children and adults respectively. Tickets have to be purchased for cameras too. For non-Indian tourists, entry fee is different. The temple complex is open between 6 AM and 6 PM; museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Note: museum is closed on Fridays. Guides are available, its advisable to take their services.

A signage close to the complex  entrance gives out basic information.

AIHOLE
(5th - 8th A.D)
Aihole (Aryapura of the inscriptions) occupies a unique place in the history of temple architecture in India. It was the experimenting ground for early Chalukyan kings (450 - 750 A.D.) to build structureal temples from the midfifth century onwards. Within the ancient fortification alone there are fifty temples and fifty can be seen outside. Most of them are Vaishnavaites temples later converted into Saivite ones. Among them the following groups are important.

A) Hucchimalli temple
B) Chikki temple
C) Ambiger temple
D) Durga temple
E) Gaudar, Ladkhan and Suryanarayana temples complex
F) Chakragudi and Badiger temple
G) Rachi temple
H) Eniyar temple complex
I) Huchappayyana Math complex
J) Kunti temple complex
K) Charanti Math complex
L) Tryambakeshwara group
M) Gauri temple
N) Jaina temples in village
O) Mallikarjuna temples complex
P) Jaina temple on the hill
Q) Meguti temples
R) Jyotirlinga group
S) Rock-cut caves (Ravan Phadi)
T) Huchimalli temple 
U) Galaganatha temples complex
V) Ramalinga groups

The early temples namely the Gaudar, Ladkhan, Kunti and Huchappayya Math are of the pavilion type with a slightly sloping roof. The first phase of the early Chalukyan architecture ended with the construction of the Meguti temple which is incidentally the earliest dated (634 A.D.) structural temple in India, Here the inscription mentions the poet Kalidasa.
Further experimentations in giving a cognate shape to the temple roof by adding towers resulted in evolving three distinct types namely the Dravida, Nagara and Kadamba-Nagara. Some shrines in Galaganatha and Mallikarjuna groups having an octagonal domical finial come under the Dravida type. While those with stepped pyramidal roof are classified as Kadamba-Nagara. More evolved forms of Dravida temples occur at Badami and Pattadakal. The Huchimalli temple and Chakra Gudi are good examples of Nagara type with curvilinear Sikhara.
The Durga temple is unique in conception on account of its apsidal plan but non-apsidal curvilinear Sikhara.
Some of the later Jaina temples belong to the Rashtrakuta period.
The sculptural art of the early Chalukyan period as exemplified in the Ladkhan, Durga, Kunti, Huchappayya and Huchimalli temples and Ravan-Phadi is full of vigour.
The 'Aihole 500' mentioned in the inscriptions appears to be a guild engaged in building temples.

Durga Gudi complex consist of 12 temples, one gateway, two wells and a museum. Names of the temples are as follows-
  • Durga Gudi
  • nameless temple
  • Chappara Gudi
  • nameless temple
  • Nadyar Gudi
  • Suryanarayana Gudi
  • nameless twin temples
  • Ladkhan Gudi
  • Gaudara Gudi
  • Chakra Gudi
  • Badiger Gudi
Some of these temples carry names of the families which occupied these temples before Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took over them. For example; Badiger means carpenter and Gaudara refers to the village headman Gauda. Below is the line diagram of the complex, showing approximate locations of the temples.
layout of Durga Gudi complex
Let's take a look at each of the temples.

Durga Gudi was built in 742 CE. With a unique design it is the most aesthetically appealing structure in Aihole. Contrary to its name, the temple is not dedicated to Durga Devi but it is names so because of its close proximity to the fort's rampart wall. Gudi means temple is Kannada. This east facing temple is built in the lines of a Buddhist Chaitya; in plan it is a rectangle with a semicircular side; inside is a rectangular chamber with an aisle around it. Outer walls of the temple are decorated with life size sculptures of Hindu gods, goddesses accompanied by other mythological characters. The Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum) is situated towards the semi-circular end. The temple is topped by a stepped ceiling and a tapered Shikhara. Durga Gudi's unique architecture is said to have inspired Sansad Bhavan's (Parliament House at New Delhi) design.

Durga Gudi
Opposite Durga Gudi is this simple structure, a temple without a name.

nameless temple
A well connected with a flight of steps into it.

Kalyani  ~ well
This simple structure is believed to be a gateway to Durga Gudi. In fact the structure does have characteristics of a gateway. Back then there must have been a wall around Durga Gudi.

Durga Gudi gateway
An east-facing single chamber temple with a tapered Shikhara without a name.
nameless temple
Chappar Gudi - the name has been derived from the Kannada word 'Chappara' meaning thatched roof. The slanting roof of this temple resembles a thatched roof house which indicated that houses did have slanting roofs in VIII century CE.

Chappar Gudi
Nadyar Gudi is a Trikutachala, a temple with 3 shrines. Though it has 3 Garbhagudi only one Dravida style Shikhara can be seen. Seems like some parts of the temple are damaged badly. The temple's circular columns are said to be similar to columns of Hoysala temples. A similar temple can be seen at Talagunda.

Nadyar Gudi
Suryanarayana Gudi was built in VII or VIII century CE. The temple had a Rekhanagara Shikhara, now its not in place. There's an image of Garuda holding serpents on the Garbhagriha door-frame lintel. Also there are images of Suryadeva, Ganga and Yamuna.


Suryanarayana Gudi
nameless twin temples are south facing. No more information available.

nameless twin temples
Ladkhan Gudi is said to be built in 450 CE perhaps the oldest temple in this group. Also it is the next largest temple after Durga Gudi in this complex. The temple has a primitive look, like a cave. The temple has a veranda like hall in the entrance and the interior is one large hall with an inner chamber - the Garbhagriha. A 5' tall Basavanna (Nandi) is seen opposite the Garbhagriha entrance. Columns are square and thick. On the plain walls are lattice windows in simple but beautiful design. One of the most noticeable designs are the fish-wheel windows. The temple lacks a Shikhara instead there's a flat-roof cubical shrine which is accessible from the veranda by a 10' tall step-ladder also made of stone. Flanking the temple entrance are six short pillars with Kannada inscriptions. The temple is named so because a army general by that name lived here.

Ladkhan Gudi
Gaudara Gudi is named so because the village's Gauda (or Gowda) resided here. This is said to be one of the oldest temple in Karnataka. Within this complex, this is the third largest temple. A two line Kannada inscription on the Navaranga states the name of this temple as Durga Bhagavati Devalaya. It also mentions that 500 Mahajans of Aihole, 8 towns and 120 local rulers had donated land to this temple. The temple though simple in looks has a royal feel. This 64 pillared temple lacks a Shikhara.

Gaudara Gudi
Chakra Gudi is said to be built in IX century CE. The temple is named so because of the Malaka atop its Rekhanagara Shikhara. This simple-looking temple has a set of amorous couples sculpted on the door-frame of the Garbhagriha.

Chakra Gudi
Badiger Gudi literally means carpenter's temple. However it is named so because a carpenter's family resided here before the archaeological department took over. This IX century CE temple was a Surya temple. The temple has three distinct parts- Mukha mantapa, Ranga Mantapa and Garbhagriha. An image of Dakshabrahma can be found here.


Badiger Gudi
Kalyani opposite Badiger temple is larger than the one near Durga Gudi. According to Hindu tradition, a source of water has to accompany a shrine, be it a river, lake pond or a well. Aihole being situated on the right bank of river Malaprabha has few wells in the village. Water stains on the walls clearly indicate dipping water-table.
Kalyani
Archaeological Museum is a modern day contribution to Aihole. The museum is in two parts- outdoor and indoor. The outdoor museum consists of a neatly arranged, named and dated collection of ancient sculptures found within and beyond Aihole. The indoor museum is a collection of important sculptures, illustrations on prehistoric life style, a 3D scale model of Aihole showing locations of historic monuments and a book shop. For tourists who wish to see Aihole completely, this museum is the right place to start the tour; studying the 3D scale model will help a tourist plan a convenient route.

Though a popular tourist place Aihole is quite simple, no restaurants here but there are small eateries offering a limited range of snacks, packaged crisps, bottled water and sot-drinks. Under the large banyan tree close to Durga temple complex entrance are hawkers selling banana, guavas and limbu-soda (lemon-salt-soda). It would be a good idea to carry sufficient water and food because shops/hawkers are only in the vicinity of Durga Gudi but monuments are spread out, some are well outside the village limits. Finally, remember to be dressed in light cotton apparel and it would really helpful to wear a cap.. an umbrella would be better.

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Nov 13, 2013

Pyati-Kodathgeri hill fort

..continued from Pyati-Kodathgeri hill cave.

August 31, 2013
Reaching the hill top was quite easy. We walked along the edge of the hill, ground was was rocky and flat. A small circular hollow structure built of small stones came into view. Its definitely an ancient structure; it cannot be a bastion, perhaps it was used as a light house for the fort on this hill. If fire was lit inside it, the glow would be visible from a distance. Back then armies used light signals to convey messages quickly.

View of the plains, some where on the horizon must be Neelogal and Wakandurga villages.

The hill top was amazingly flat, perfect for a football field. Perhaps, several fields. Towards the edge of the hill the ground was rocky, as we moved to the center the rock bed gave way to dirt ground. With recent rains ground was moist and a variety of plants with little flowers created a pretty sight. Those little plants swayed gently in the cool breeze. The fort was no where in sight. We saw a clump of trees where the fort should be.. looks like the fort is concealed behind those trees.

Yes, our guess was correct, we found the ruins of the fort. In plan the fort is a square with bastions in each of the corners. Most portions of the outer wall and bastions had collapsed, all we could was heaps of stones except for this wall. This structure built of large blocks must be the fort's gateway.
We climbed a wall to get a good view. The fort interior is bare, the wall in background must be a bastion.

Looks like a grand gateway was planned but for some reason it was never completed.

The collapsed bastion.

Remains of another bastion and rampart wall.

We came out of the fort and walked along perimeter. This is the only other standing wall here.

One plant grabbed attention - leaves were lemon green with a touch of light red. Lovely combination indeed.

Nothing much remains of this fort. We decided to head back to the base. Instead of taking the earlier route we took a different route. The path was wide enough for a tractor to be driven, perhaps it was made by an excavator. I wont be surprised to find windmills atop this hill few years from now.

Pyati-Kodathgeri fort coordinates: 15°49'59"N   75°51'33"E
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