Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor

Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka Aihole (pronounced: eye-HO-lee) served as the capital of the Chalukyan Dynasty from the 4th to the 6th century A.D. The Durga temple was built between the 7th and 8th century during a rich architectural era.

Built primarily in the Dravidian style, there are also Nagara elements. In addition to the classical architecture depicting Hindu gods and symbols there are also elements of folk art with Yaksha and Yakshi (male and female nature spirits) depicted playfully cavorting on the pillars.