The “Lad Khan Temple” at Aihole is regarded as one of India’s oldest temples. It was built in 450 AD. Later on, a prince named (Lad Khan) transformed it into a home, hence the name. It is located adjacent to the Durga Temple. It has a primaeval feel, with a cave-like aspect, particularly in the enormous pillars with bracket capitals and low roofs. It shows no signs of a shikhara. This again refers to the cave prototype. Originally meant to be devoted to Lord Vishnu, this temple today houses a Shiva Linga. The roof features a rectangular temple with Vishnu, Surya, and Devi images on three sides.
Architecture of Lad Khan Temple
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The Lad Khan Temple is one of the earliest temples in the Aihole temple complex. It is built in the Panchayatana style of architecture. The temple features a Garba Griha (inner sanctuary) with a Shiva Linga and a mukha mandapa that leads to the Sabha Mandapa (hall). There is also a Maha mandapa (large hall) with open windows. The Mukha Mantapa is a pillared hall, whereas the others are wide.
Carvings portraying Hindu myths can be found outside and on interior walls. The pillars and sculptures also include intriguing themes. One of the most exciting aspects of the Lad Khan Temple is the lack of a Shikhara (gopura). This demonstrates that it is designed in a cave-temple style. Thus, Lad Khan Temple is both modest and unique. The construction of this temple appears to have included a lot of experimenting. Lad Khan Temple is undoubtedly one of Aihole’s most stunning temples.
Must Read: Temples In India
History of Lad Khan Temple
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Chalukay’s initial capital was Aihole.The first section of the temple was constructed in the sixth century CE, while the second section lasted until the 12th century CE. They constructed around 125 temples in various designs. Pulakeshi II, the great Chalukya King, followed Jainism.
Aihole inscription from 634 CE, in Sanskrit and old Kannada script. The Kontigudi and Galaganatha temple groups are the most notable, but historians have classified all of the temples into 22 groups. Ravana Phadi’s cave temple stands alone, backed by the steep hill from which it was carved. The Kontigudi group consists of three temples: the Lad Khan temple, Huchi Appayya Gudi temple, and Huchi Appayya maths.
Places To Visit Near Lad Khan Temple
There are a plethora of places near Lad Khan Temple in Aihole. Here is a well-curated list of the most captivating places to visit near Lad Khan Temple to make your trip more memorable.
1. Durga Temple, Aihole
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Aihole is justifiably known as the cradle of temples in Karnataka, and the Durga Temple in Aihole is a lovely and unique example of this. The old Dravidian construction dates back to the 7th-8th centuries when Chalukyan monarchs ruled South India. Like many monarchs, this dynasty erected several temples, and the Durga Temple is one of the most exquisite and unique. The existence of pillars heading up to the sanctum and the apsidal passage that runs around the core of the shrine lends the stately temple a sense of artistic grandeur.
The grandeur of a temple’s architecture contains much of its spirit; thus, despite its small size, the Durga Temple’s design communicates volumes via each of its carvings. Tourists go here as part of their Aihole temple tours to see a true example of ancient Dravidian architecture. This great temple has long been lonely and in ruins, with no deity dominating the sanctum sanctorum. Nonetheless, there is a sense of spirituality in the air, which can only be attributed to the exquisite construction of Chalukyan artisans. It offers more originality in terms of its name as well.
Distance (from Aihole Bus Stand): 0.8 kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 mins
Place Location: Durga Temple Complex
Transportation Options: Auto/Cab/Walk
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Murudeshwar
2. Archaeological Museum
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The Durga temple complex houses a museum administered by the Archaeological Survey of India. Originally designed as a sculpture shed, the arrangement evolved into a well-organised museum in 1987.
The museum also displays stone sculptures representing Brahmanical, Jaina, and Buddhist faiths and concepts. In addition, you will find inscriptions, antiquities, and a variety of other fascinating exhibits. The museum is 21 kilometres west of Hungund taluk and about 200 metres from the Aihole bus stop.
Distance (from Aihole Bus Stand): 0.2 kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 minutes or less
Place Location: Inside Durga Temple Complex
Transportation Options: Auto/Cab/Walk
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
3. Ravana Phadi Cave Temple
Image Credit: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad for Wikimedia Commons
Anyone who visits the Ravana or Ravala Phadi temple would be impressed by its remarkable cave architecture. It is one of the oldest cave temples in India, dating back to the sixth century. The cave temple is relatively well-maintained, with a vast field before the outcrop.
The entrance features two free-standing columned hallways that give grandeur to the overall architecture. The ceiling inside the temple attracts attention. On the sidewall is an intricate carving of Ardhanari holding a trident. The mandapa appears to be protected by two side chambers, the left with stairs climbing and the right without carvings. Finally, the Ravana Phadi temple is the actual pearl of Chalukya.
Distance (from Aihole Bus Stand): 0.8 kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 mins
Place Location: Near Durga Temple Complex
Transportation Options: Auto/Cab/Walk
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Karnataka
4. Hucchimalli Temple
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This temple, built in the seventh century, features Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma shrines. It is located north of the settlement of Aihole. One of the temple’s most distinguishing characteristics is its steep water well and detailed carvings of Karttikeya and his attendants. In addition to the carvings of the goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, the temple depicts Brahma, Garuda, and Surya.
The Hucchimalli temple compound is one of Aihole’s significant temples, with exquisite statues. The temple is built on a large plinth and features a Mukhmantapa (main mandapa) and a Ranga Mantapa. The temple entrance is beautiful, with four parts featuring unique sculptural patterns. Niches and small holes are in the passageway, with statues of various deities. Above the Garbhagriha, there is a Rekhanagara-style shikhara. The artistic imprints on the temple are the focus of stunning ancient sculptures and paintings. The temple’s overall design combines both early and late Chalukyan grandeur.
Distance (from Aihole Bus Stand): 0.6 kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 minutes or less
Place Location: Near Ravana Phadi Cave Temple
Transportation Options: Walk/Trek
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
5. Huccha Appayya Gudi Temple
Image Credit: Mukul Banerjee for Wikimedia Commons
The Hucchappayyagudi temple, erected in the 8th century, is near the Malaprabha River. It is magnificently carved from a monolith and has elaborate carvings throughout.
The temple exemplifies people’s numerous abilities during the Chalukyan period, resulting in the gorgeous construction that is still enjoyed today. The ornate temple houses a carved picture of Nataraj and countless other images of Shiva. The temple’s distinguishing characteristic is holding four-faced Shiva Lingams in each direction.
Distance (from Aihole Bus Stand): 0.3 kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 minute or less
Place Location: Near Chakra Gudi Temple
Transportation Options: Walk/Trek
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Further Read: Temples In Andhra Pradesh
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Lad Khan Temple in Aihole plan your trip to Karnataka and get in touch with nature’s beauty. Accompanied by your loved ones, this experience will be more rewarding as you enjoy the historic marvels. Book the best resorts near Aihole now and enjoy the trip.
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Cover Image Credit: Mukul Banerjee for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Lad Khan Temple in Aihole
How can one arrive at Lad Khan Temple?
Ladkhan Temple, located 200 metres from the Aihole Bus Stand and 100 metres south of Durga Temple. It is situated within the main walled complex of Aihole monuments. The temple is constructed in Mandapa style, with a plan roof.
Lad Khan Temple is devoted to which deity and whom it is named after?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and got its name from Ladkhan, a Muslim general from the Bijapur Sultanate who remained there during their conquest of the region. Originally a Surya temple, the structure has a mukha-mandapa and a huge sabha-mandapa.
What are the options available for food near the temple?
There are no nice hotels or restaurants around this location, so bring some food with you if you intend to cover it during lunchtime.
There are no nice hotels or restaurants around this location, so bring some food with you if you intend to cover it during lunchtime.
The timings range from 9 AM to 6 PM. The Temple is open for all seven days of the week for tourists with nearby lodging options.
What are the entry fees for Lad Khan Temple?
The entry fees for Lad Khan Temple is Rs. 5 for Indian tourists, with camera one has to pay Rs. 25. The fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 100.
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