Lad Khan Temple, Hindu temple in Aihole, India.
The Lad Khan Temple is a shrine in Aihole with square pillars and detailed stone carvings throughout its structure. The building has a rectangular base that changes into a square form as it rises upward.
The building was constructed around 450 CE under the Chalukya dynasty and shows the early architectural ideas of that period. A Muslim prince used it later as his residence, and the temple takes its name from him.
The temple remains a place where people perform worship today, and the carved images of gods on the walls show the religious beliefs of those who built it. The sculptured windows and deity figures tell the story of how devotion was expressed through stone.
The temple is open to visitors year-round, and local guides can explain the features of the place. It helps to arrive early in the day when the light is better for viewing the fine details of the carvings.
The structure shows a rare blend of rock-cut sections and free-standing masonry, suggesting early experiments in temple building. This combination makes it an interesting example of how craftspeople brought different techniques together.
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