Gowda Temple, Aihole

Gowda Temple appears to be the oldest of all Aihole temples. This temple is might be dedicated to the goddess Bhagawati which is worshipped by the trading community of the Aihole. It is constructed around 12^th century AD. This temple shows the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture along with the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple consists of Garbhagriha, open mandapa, pradakshina path. The temple stands on the high moulded base. This temple essentially has no walls but the stone slabs are placed between the 16 pillars which serve as walls. The pillars are devoid of any carvings and adornments.

Many historians theorized that this temple was built earlier and then reconstructed or renovated during the long period of political instability in Aihole.

Gowda Temple is situated in close vicinity to the Ladkhan Temple and shoes similar architectural styles. It is believed that the Gowda Temple was constructed earlier than the Ladkhan temple.