The Chalukya rulers built various types of temples – some of them are excavated out of solid rocks, some are brick temples while there are others which are ‘Structural buildings’ of stone finely joined without mortar.
The Vishnu temple of Badami, the Shiva temple at Meguti, the Vishnu temple at Aihole, the shiva temple at Pattadakal, the temple of Kasivvisvesvera at Lakkundi are some of important temples having special qualities of their own.
The ones built at Badami present the earliest examples of the Chalukyan art.
The temple built by Mangalesha Chalukya towards the end of 6th century A.D. in honour of Vishnu was completely excavated out of solid rocks and shows Chalukyan art.
The Vishnu temple of Aihole, contains the famous Aihole Inscription of Vikramaditya II. The temple is known for sine sculptures and two high flying statues of devas.
The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal, according to Havell, has designs that closely resemble Gothic art.
The Mahadeva temple at Itagi also bears inscriptions and has elaborately designed pillars.
An important characteristic of the Chalukyan temples is that every attempt is made to decorate every part of them and consequently there is “crowded abundance of minute details which covers the surface”.
Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Front View: Durga Temple, Aihole
Durga Temple(Amalaka lying next to it), Aihole (Vesara Style)
Nagara Style temples in Pattadakal
Iconic view of Bhoothanatha temple, Agastya Teertha Lake & sandstone cliff of the northern hills in Badami.
Sculptures in Various Aihole Temples
