Durga Temple, Aihole

Durga Temple is a rare example of a 7^th-century apsidal plan of early Chalukyayan temple. It has a Sandhara plan and added mandapa as an entrance. It is an example of the transition of the Buddhist Chaitya hall to Hindu temple architecture. According to the Indian traditional architecture, the shape of the temple is known as Gajaprastha means equality to the back of an elephant. This style is inspired by the Architecture of Buddhist monasteries. In the case of garbhagriha, the main shrine is placed at the location of the stupa in chaitya hall.

The origin of the name is not the Durga goddess, it takes its name probably after the word durg or fortresses which probably an enclosure which surrounds a temple or it was a part of the fortification, probably during Maratha rulers. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The rows of pillars containing two pradakshina path is an exceptional example of temple architecture. This ensures that the pillared corridor between the porch and the sanctuary has enough space for devotees to do circumambulation rituals (Pradakshina).

Durga Temple has numerous pillars with relief work of unique Chalukyayan architectural style. All the walls of the temple are decorated with the unique sculptures of Hindu god and goddesses. This temple is an architectural marvel of the Chalukyayan era consisting the both of the Dravidian and Nagara styles.