Aihole Durga temple in Karnataka was built by Chalukya dynasty between the 7th and 8th century. The temple is often mistaken to be a Durga Temple. The presiding deities of the temple are Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The word ‘Durga’ here actually means fortress.
The most attractive feature of the temple is a peristyle delimiting an ambulatory around the temple with the walls covered with sculptures of various gods or goddesses. Two staircases provide access to the porch at the temple entrance. The parapet is carved with niches and animals. The porch gives access to 'Mukha-mandapa' and "sabha-mandapa" leading into the Garba-Griha.
The Durga Temple Aihole is quadrilateral, and the contour of the temple exhibits the Gajaprasta style. Also known as the fortress temple, Durga Temple Aihole depicts a Buddhist chaitya which is adorned with carvings. The seven-headed serpent carved at the ceiling of the Durga Temple of Aihole is an impressive work by the artisans. The temple walls are decorated with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. There are several rooms along with a Garba Griha where the spirit of the shrine is located. The elevated plinth, the big galleries, and the molded adhisthana are the characteristics of the Durga Temple. The sculptures of Lord Narashima, Goddess Chamundi, and Lord Shiva are the other attractions of the Durga Temple.
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