Lad khan Temple, Aihole



Ladkhan temple or chalukyayan Shiva temple is the oldest temple dedicated to lord shiva, which has certain characteristics of rock-cut caves. The plan of the temple shows the similarities with the Buddhist vihara. 


The temple consists of a square hall called mandapa having gargantuan sloping stone slab roof. The load of the roof is taken by the walls of cyclopean stone blocks piled over one another without binding material. The mandapa consists of 12 carved pillars which are arranged to form two concentric squares. The temple has high plinth which is approached by steps. Also, it consists of a discontinued pradakshina path. The temple has perforated windows with latticework done on it. 
Instead of shikhara, the cubical volume is placed above the centre of the main hall which host another sanctum Facing the main sanctum of the shiva. 


Plan to section 



Circulation 



Axis and symmetry 




Geometry
The temple has a simple geometry of square and rectangle. 





Parti
The main feature of the temple is that it starts with a rectangular structure and ends with a square structure. This is based on wooden construction design. Square and rectangular plan have a sloping roof which is the adaption of wooden technology in stone construction.





Structure and grid 



Unit to whole 




Natural lighting 




Hierarchy 




Massing 




Repetition to unique
All the pillars of the mandapa has an extensive carving of figures of gods as well as floral patterns and the beautifully carved brackets to support. Also the horizontal band of design at the base and at the plinth level. 



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