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Aihoḷe

Aihoḷe (Kannada ಐಹೊಳೆ) is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India and located at a distance of 510 km from Bangalore. It is known for Chalukyan architecture with about 125 stone temples dating from 6th Century C.E. and is a popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both. With its collection of architectural structures, Aihoḷe has the potential to be included as a UNESCO World heritage site.[1]

Main articles: Chalukya dynasty, Badami Chalukya Architecture, Five Hundred Lords of Ayyavolu, and Aihole inscriptions
Aihoḷe was known as Ayyavoḷe and Aryapura in its inscriptions.[2] It was established in 450 C.E. as first capital of Chalukya kings and has about 125 stone temples, some which were constructed as experimental structures by artisans of Chalukyan period.[3] A place known by the name Morera Angadigalu near the Meguti hillocks has a large number of cists of pre-historic period. The place was an agraharam. Aihoḷe has been described as one of the cradles of temple architecture. Some brick structures of pre-Chalukyan times have also been excavated.

Poetry on stone at the Meguti temple (Aihole inscription) dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script

An important 8th century inscription in Old-Kannada language and script at the Lad Khan temple, records a grant to Brahmins
According to mythology Aihole is the place where Parashurama washed his axe after killing the Kshatriyas.[citation needed] Aihole has historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture (Cradle of Indian architecture).[4]

Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal. The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the 6th century CE, the second phase up to the 12th century CE.
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