Durga temple, Aihole

The Durga temple is a sanctuary from the early Chalukya period with a distinctive semi-circular floor plan. Its outer walls are covered with detailed carvings depicting religious scenes and divine figures.

The sanctuary arose between the late 7th and early 8th century and originally served as a solar temple. In the 13th century it was converted into a fortified structure, and the changes made at that time remain visible today.

The temple blends architectural styles from different parts of India in ways visitors can see in the stonework. The building shows how various religious traditions found common ground in its design.

The sanctuary is located in Aihole within Karnataka's Bagalkot district and serves as the main attraction of the village. The best time to visit is during the cooler months when the weather is more pleasant.

The name of the temple refers to a fortress rather than the goddess herself, a detail that surprises many visitors. The entrance pillars and interior walls contain elaborate mythological scenes that most people overlook when walking through.