The Chalukya Shiva Temple (earlier known as Lad Khan Temple), dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in the group of monuments at Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. Formerly dated to the 7th or 8th century, it is now dated to about the 5th century. It is located to the south of the Durga temple, Aihole. The temple shows clear signs of following early timber models, none of which have survived. This is seen for example in the construction of the roof of the mandapa. The temple consists of a shrine (garba griha) with a mandapa in front of it, and a covered path for circumambulating the sanctuary, seen in other very early temples. The mukha mandapa is situated in front of the sanctum and consists of a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabha mandapa leads to the maha mandapa and the pillars are arranged to form two concentric squares. The walls have floral patterns on them and the windows have lattice work done in the northern style. Facing the sanctum, a second smaller sanctum is situated above the center of the hall whose outer walls have many carved images. Originally dedicated to Vishnu, now the main shrine houses a Shiva Linga with a Nandi. The temple was built in a Panchayatana style, indicating a very early experiment in temple construction. The special feature of this temple is that it starts with a rectangular structure and ends with a square structure. Based on a wooden construction design, the square and rectangular plan has a steep roof, which is an adaptation of wooden styles in stone. The maha mandapa is open to exterior by large windows between the pillars. The roof above the maha mandapa shows a turret as a first version of the future forms of tower: shikharas in north India and vimanas in the south

Lad Khan temple aihole is one of the oldest and famous temple in aihole. Lad Khan temple aihole is one of the historical place in aihole. Lad Khan temple aihole is the Hindu Holly place. Lad Khan temple aihole is tourist attractions place. Lad Khan temple aihole is is the place where Hindu god Lord Shiva is worshipped. Lad Khan temple aihole has no wheel chair accessible entrance facility. Lad Khan temple aihole has no wheel chair accessible parking facility.

Lad Khan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Aihole complex probably built in 450 AD It is actually a Shiva temple with an unusual name. It was initially used as a panchayat hall where Pulakesi I performed horse sacrifices. Later it was turned into a Surya Temple & then Shiva temple. About 1000 years later it was renamed as Lad Khan Temple after a Muslim commander of Bijapur Sultanate who briefly stayed here to coordinate his military campaign in the region Flanking the temple entrance are 6 short pillars with Kannada inscriptions. Temple has no Shikhara (gopura). This temple has a Shiva Linga in the sanctum & a 5 ft seated Nandi faces the shrine. The temples lattice windows with intricate carvings is noteworthy. Stone stairs connect the lower level to the 2nd floor which has a damaged square shrine with Vishnu, Surya & Ardhanarishvara images.

I suggest name of this temple should be changed. Why to put some muslim name when its a temple.?? That too of lord shiva. Just because some muslim fellow rested here for some time you will give the temple his name. Ridiculous. I guess the other side wont have allowed this if same has happened with them.

The Lad Khan Temple (or Chalukya Shiva Temple), dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in the group of monuments at Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. Formerly dated to the 7th or 8th century, it is now dated to about the 5th century. It is located to the south of the Durga temple, Aihole. The temple shows clear signs of following early timber models, none of which have survived. This is seen for example in the construction of the roof of the mandapa.The temple consists of a shrine with a mandapa in front of it, and a covered path for circumambulating the sanctuary, seen in other very early temples. The mukha mandapa is situated in front of the sanctum and consists of a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabha mandapa leads to the maha mandapa and the pillars are arranged to form two concentric squares. The walls have floral patterns on them and the windows have lattice work done in the northern style. Facing the sanctum, a second smaller sanctum is situated above the center of the hall whose outer walls have many carved images. Originally dedicated to Vishnu, now the main shrine houses a Shiva Linga with a Nandi. The temple was built in a Panchayatana style, indicating a very early experiment in temple construction. The special feature of this temple is that it starts with a rectangular structure and ends with a square structure. Based on a wooden construction design, the square and rectangular plan has a steep roof, which is an adaptation of wooden styles in stone. The maha mandapa is open to exterior by large windows between the pillars. The roof above the maha mandapa shows a turret as a first version of the future forms of tower: shikharas in north India and vimanas in the south

Aihole is a historical town situated on the banks of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Earlier, this historical town was also called as "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole was once capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty (6th to 8th centuries). Aihole is rewarded as "the cradle of Hindu rock architecture". There are about 125 temples divided into 22 groups spread all over the villages and nearby fields. Most of these temples at Aihole were built between the 6th and 8th centuries. Durga Temple The most remarkable one is the Durga Temple, which is said to be built in late 7th or early 8th century. The Durga temple derives its name from "Durgadagudi" meaning 'temple of the fort'. The features of this temple are semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple The Lad Khan temple is located south of the Durga Temple. The Lad Khan temple gets its name from a Muslim prince who changed it into his residence. The windows of this temple were filled up with lattice work in the northern style and the sanctum was added later on. The temple is constructed in a Panchayat hall style, indicative of a very early experiment in constructing temples. The main shrine houses a Shiva Linga with Bull (Nandi). Meguti Jain Temple Meguti Jain temple is only dated monument in Aihole constructed in 634 AD. The Meguti Jain temple stands on a hillock. Now partly in ruins, the temple which was possibly never completed provides important proof of early development in Dravidian style of architecture. The dated inscription is found on one of the exterior walls of the temple and it records its construction by Ravikeerti, who was a commander and minister Pulikeshi II. Hucchimalli Temple Hucchimalli Temple is said to be one of the earliest groups of temples at Aihole, built in the 7th century shows an evolution in the temple plan, the entrance hall in front of the sanctum was introduced for the first time here. Ravanphadi Cave Ravanphadi cave is a rock cut temple located south-east of the Hucchimalli Temple. This temple is said to be built in 6th century. This temple houses with two mandapatas in front of it and also a rock cut Shiva linga. Ravanphadi cave temple with a sanctum larger than that of the Badami Cave Temples. The sanctum has an entrance hall with a triple entrance and has carved panels. Gowda Temple The Gowda temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati is built on similar lines as the Lad Khan temple. Standing on a high molded base, the Gowda temple houses sixteen plain pillars. The other attractions of Aihole are the Suryanarayana Temple, Konti Group of Temples, Museum and Art Gallery.

The Lad Khan Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. It was built in the 5th century by the kings of the Chalukya dynasty.[1][2][3][4] It is located to the south of the Durga temple, Aihole. The temple is named after a person named Lad khan, who turned this temple into his residence for a short period and this is the oldest temple of Aihole The temple consists of a shrine (garba griha) with mandapa in front of it. The mukha mandapa is situated in front of the sanctum and consists of a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabha mandapa leads to the maha mandapa and the pillars are arranged to form two concentric squares. The walls have floral patterns on them and the windows have lattice work done in the northern style. Facing the sanctum, a second smaller sanctum is situated above the center of the hall whose outer walls have many carved images. Originally dedicated to Vishnu, now the main shrine houses a Shiva Linga with a Nandi. The temple was built in a Panchayatana style, indicating a very early experiment in temple construction. The special feature of this temple is that it starts with a rectangular structure and ends with a square structure. Based on a wooden construction design, the square and rectangular plan has a steep roof, which is an adaptation of wooden styles in stone. The maha mandapa is open to exterior by large windows between the pillars. The roof above the maha mandapa shows a turret as a first version of the futures towers shikharas and vimanas.[1

Lad Khan temple is a Chalukya Shiva temple inside the Aihole Durga temple complex. It is based on a wooden construction design, the square and rectangular plan has a steep roof, which is an adaptation of wooden styles in stone.The temple consists of a shrine with a mandapa in front of it, and a covered path for circumambulating the sanctuary. The pillars inside are carved and the walls have lattice work and floral patterns.

In the group of ancient monuments at Aihole another most attractive gem is Lad Khan temple. It is constructed in Panchayatana style of architecture. The shrine has a Garba Griha with houses a Shiva Linga, which leads to Sabha Mandap. Here you can see a Shiva Linga in the inner sanctum with a Nandi facing the shrine. The ceiling is covered by log shaped stone bars, making it look like an ancient wooden temple . One of the interesting features of Lad Khan Temple is that it doesn't have a Shikhara. This indicates that it follows a cave-temple style of architecture. This cave model architecture is one of prominent feature in this particular temple. Temple is also designed in such a way to get natural light through the lattice windows. Matchless heritage site. Worth a visit !!!

Lad Khan - the other most carved temple(first one being durga temple), in Aihole group of temples. This one owes its name to the general who stayed in this temple for a very long time. The carvings on the walls of this temple are good. Some of the pillars are blank as well. The ceilings have good amount of work too.

The oldest temple in Karnataka. Named after a prince called Lad Khan who converted this temple as his residence for a short period is a hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

Awesome structure

Beautiful tempel

Oldest temple in Aihole. It was constructed by Chalukyas in 5th century. Belief is that horse sacrifice was conducted here. After Chalukyas this place was occupied by Lad Khan for some time & hence the name Lad Khan Temple which is actually a misnomer. Carvings on pillars & architectutral style is interesting & beautiful. Now being maintained by ASI.

The Lad Khan Temple is in the Durga Temple Complex at Aihole, about 35 km from Badami. It is probably the oldest temple in the complex dating back to 450 CE. It is actually a Shiva temple, with a Shiva Lingam in the inner sanctum, with a seated Nandi Bull statue facing the lingam. The temple has a misleading name of a Muslim commander Lad Khan, under Adil Shahi Sultan of Bijapur, who briefly camped here during a campaign, almost a thousand years after the temple was built. This temple also has good architecture with intricately carved pillars, and the walls have floral designs. The temple is lit with natural light coming in from the lattice windows. The ceiling is covered by log shaped stone bars, making it look like an ancient wooden temple with timber construction. It is one of the better temples in Aihole, and worth a visit.

THE TEMPLE OF AN UNIQUE DESIGN AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A TEMPLE INITIALLY LAD KHAN TEMPLE ..AIHOLE KARNAKATA Aihole, a small village in Karnataka, is a home to astonishing ancient Hindu Temple architectures. In this historic center every temple has something extraordinary to explore. One such ancient temple is the Lad Khan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which still stands with thousands of years of history. It was constructed by the rulers of Chalukya dynasty in the early 5th century. This temple was constructed in a different style during the Chalukya period. The architecture of this temple is quite different from the rest of the temples built during that period. The name of the temple comes from Lad Khan who had turned the temple into his own residence for a short period. Previously, the temple was dedicated to Vishnu. Now, the temple holds Shiva Linga with ~ Mandi The architecture of the tamula

Extraordinary sculpture of Aihole dynasty....history at it's best...

The Lad Khan Temple, located in Aihole, Karnataka, India, is one of the oldest and most significant monuments of the region, reflecting the early stages of Hindu temple architecture. Aihole, often described as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture," houses over 100 temples, with the Lad Khan Temple standing out for its historical importance and architectural uniqueness. Dating back to the 5th century, this temple is one of the earliest structures constructed by the Chalukyas, who played a pivotal role in the development of temple architecture in South India. The temple is named after a Muslim general, Lad Khan, who used the building as a residence during a military campaign, long after its construction

A very beautiful temple, 2 storied temple with a stone ladder to go to the top floor. Has been designed in such a way that when you are inside the temple, the temperature is so pleasant. Recommended to hire a guide to learn about all these history.

A must-see during your visit to Karnataka. Quite a. busy place. You have to queue to get a battery car to the temple, but we'll worth the wait. Don't miss the King's Balance.

A group of three temples is referred to as the Kontigudi group of temples. One of these is the Lad Khan temple, named after a mendicant that lived in this temple in the 19th century , another the Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math. The Lad Khan temple consists of a shrine with two mandapams in front of it. The shrine bears a Shiva lingam. The mukha mandapa in front of the sanctum has a set of 12 carved pillars. The sabhamandapa in front of the mukha mandapam has pillars arranged in such a manner as to form two concentric squares. There are also stone grids on the wall carrying floral designs.

I love this place one day trip I am and my friends full enjoy this place Nice place and temple super

Architecture is unique and simple with two floor structure.Entrance side hall has some amorous couples which is impressive though they are damaged. Inner ceiling has some intimate postures in the form of shiva parvathi.The pillared hall has broken nandi and small lingam is placed in the sanctum along with lively sanctum door guardians. On the small second floor, there are stone carvings of sun god but not visible properly.

The Lad Khan Temple is probably the oldest Temple in Aihole. It used to be an assembly hall which was converted into a Temple.The Temple is enclosed by a wall and has lattice style windows. The Temple is called Lad Khan Temple after the name of the person who used to reside in the Temple before it became a protected monument.

Lad Khan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Aihole temple complex. It is constructed in Panchayatana style of architecture. The shrine has a Garba Griha (inner sanctum) which houses a Shiva Linga, a mukha mantapa which leads to Sabha Mandapa (hall). There is also a Maha mandapa (great hall) with open windows.

first the name of the temple is not lad khan, it got to changed. i dont know when us india will grow and learn things on our own rather than to follow what is forced on us. the temple is beautiful

Really nice ...

Temple name as Bijapur General Lad khan and his family stayed here, beautiful structure.. The temples here are without any deity, but still standing tall

(Visited in June 2019) - Interestingly, a Bijapuri Army General named Lad Khan stayed at this temple - hencevthe uncharacteristic name. But this simple structure was the place where Chalukya King Pulakesin I performed Ashwamedha Yaga. It served as a Shiva temple, Surya temple at different points of time.

Situated in drug complex of aihole, an early experiment in architecture resembles the transition time from wooden to the stone structure.

amazing temple constructed by chalukyas.

Why Ladkhan and why not a diety as name of temple — because Chola’s didn’t built a temple for one God and Aihole isn’t a temple complex - it’s a school of architecture ! The one I liked most here is depictions of how man and woman fight but also then by evening make-up and love each other !

Located south of Durga Temple in Aihole, this Shiva temple was built in the 5th Century by the Chalukyas and is called Lad Khan temple because it was used as a residence by a person named Lad Khan for a period. It is the oldest temple of Aihole.

Khan Temple), dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in the group of monuments at Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. Formerly dated to the 7th or 8th century, it is now dated to about the 5th century. it is located to the south of the Durga temple, Aihole This 5th century monument, the oldest temple in Aihole, is believed to have been built by the first Chalukya ruler, Pulakeshin I. It is dedicated to Shiva. Curiously the temple retains the name of a Muslim general who stayed here during an invasion by Bijapur sultanate.

Very beautiful structures constructed at that time and maintained well by archeology department of India .

Very nice temple

Wonderful place , mind blowing architecture

Awesome place

Brilliant

Lad Khan Temple Oldest temple of Aihole built in the 5th century. Chalukya kings initially used this temple for horse sacrification but latter same temple used to worship Vishnu and Shiva. This temple is named after a person Lad khan who stayed here for some period after chalukya. This temple is a unique temple of Aihole because it has 12 carved pillars. This entire complex is well maintained by ASI.

Beautiful

Well maintained by ASI

Lad Khan temple is another attraction in the Aihole temple series, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The carvings on this temple are magnificent and amazing, definately worth place to visit which is just next to Durga temple.

Super place

extreme architecture... super

(Translated by Google) Super beautiful !! (Original) Супер красиво!!

Nice place....

One of the best place..

Nice place

Its the oldest temple which has been dedicated to Lord Shiva,