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Known as the Lad Khan Temple, the Chalukya Shiva temple is considered to be one of the oldest Hindu temples, and this is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located in a number of monuments in the Karnataka state at Aihole. This was dated to the 7th or the 8th century, but now is dated to the 5th century.
Noticeable Features of the Chalukya Temple
There are 2 Chalukyas . The Badami Chalukyas ruled the region of Karnataka around the 7th century, and were followed by the Western Chalukyas, Kalyani Chlaukyas, around the 11th century.
The Chalukyas temples are known for 3 basic plans.
- Floor Design
- The projection of the architectural articulation
- Sculpture
Floor Design
This design indicates the plan of the subsidiary shrines, salla, and design of the pradikshna path. The architecture and the structure of a temple depend on this plan.
Architectural Design
Different designs like the projection of the pilasters, miniature towers, are included under this head. A specific architectural design with recesses and projections is followed by the surfaces of the temple. The walls portray frequent recesses and projections reflecting a truly magical beauty to the viewers. There is no way to describe the articulation of the mantapas and the pillars.
The Chalukya temples have managed to combine different elements to ensure these are not only distinctive but also unique.
Influence of the Nagara Tradition
The plan of the subsdiary shrine, the shrine, panchayatan style is similar to Nagara school. The plan of the vestibule joining the sanctum is similar to the Orissan temples. Most of the pillars in the temples of Karnataka are very similar to bhumija and sekhari type of pillars in North India.
Influence of the Dravida Style
This influence of the Dravida is visible in the Chalukya temple’s vimana.
Distinctive Features
Ornamentation
The Chlaukya temples show indigenous quality in case of the ornamentation of the walls and the pillars.
Transformation of the Dravida tower
The Dravida tower was modified by the Chalukya rulers. Each storey was minimized and arranged in a descending order of their height from the base to the top. There was good ornamentation in each of the storey.
Transformation of the Nagara Tower
Modification is witnessed here in the vertical shape of tower.
Mantapa
There are 2 types of roofs to the mantapa. One is the square ceilings (ornamented vigorously) and domical ceilings. These ceilings like dome stand on 4 pillars.
The Chalukya Uttsava (festival) is an annual heritage and cultural festival that is held in the historic cities of Aihole and Badami in Karnataka. This festival lasts for 2 to 3 days, in the month of February.
Highlights of the Chalukya Utsava
1.Stunt shows
2.Art exhibitions
- Temple processions
- Drum beating performances (Dollu Kunitha)
- Musical performances
- Wrestling competitions
- Sports competitions and also games.
You have the choice of visiting Mahakoota and Pattadakal when you visit Badami or Aihole.
From Bangalore, Badami is 450kms and the nearest airport is Hubballi. This is around 105kms from Badami.
