The Chalukya Shiva Temple is near the Durga temple, Aihole, India.
It has been variously dated to "about 450 CE", or from 6th to 8th centuries.
The temple is named after the Muslim commander under Adil Shahi Sultan who
briefly stayed here about a thousand years after it was built. He used it to
coordinate his military campaign in the region.
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Chalukya Shiva Temple seen from northeast
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The Lad Khan Temple
«This hall type temple probably obtains its name from a person called
Lad Khan who used to reside here. Perhaps it was a structure for
socio-religious performance later turned into a Shiva temple. It
comprises of a large pillared porch and a larger square pillared hall
with large lattice screens around and a small rectangular sanctum at the
rear. The Nandi occupying the centre of the hall is probably a later
placement. The sanctum now contains a linga but originally may have
enshrined some other deity. The roof is flat at the centre and sloping
on all four sides in two stages. Over the central part is an upper flat
roofed sanctum reached by a stone ladder in the porch. The exterior of
this sanctum carries images of Surya (west), Vishnu (south) and
Ardhanarishwara (north). The porch is provided with kakshasana or
back-rest seat. On the porch pillars are depicted high relief sculptures
of Ganga, Yamuna and Mithuna and a low relief carving of the Chalukya
royal insignia of Varaha. Although earlier assigned to 450 CE, recent
scholarship dates this curious secular-looking monument to 7th-8th
century CE.
Superintending archaeologist, Archaeological survey of India, Dharwad
circle, Dharwad 2021.»
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Chalukya Shiva Temple seen from east
It comprises of a large
pillared porch and a larger square pillared hall with large lattice
screens around and a small rectangular sanctum at the rear.
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Chalukya Shiva Temple seen from southeast
On the porch
pillars are depicted high relief sculptures of Ganga, Yamuna and Mithuna
and a low relief carving of the Chalukya royal insignia of Varaha.
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Chalukya Shiva Temple seen from south
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The roof is flat at the centre and sloping on all four sides in two
stages.
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Over the central part is an upper flat roofed sanctum reached by a
stone ladder in the porch.
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The exterior of this sanctum carries images of Surya (west), Vishnu
(south) and Ardhanarishwara (north).
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Couples under trees
In Hindu statuary, the couple usually
depicted under a tree is Krishna and Radha.
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This depiction represents their divine love and is often set in the
idyllic, natural surroundings of Vrindavan.
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The tree signifies nature, shelter, and the nurturing of their sacred
bond.
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Love is blind
This particular depiction is known as "love is
blind". It signifies that love transcends physical appearances and is
blind to external attributes.
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Ganga
The goddess of the Ganges River
- The turtle symbolizes stability and longevity.
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The four small figures could represent her attendants or aspects of
her divine presence.
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Chalukya Emblems
Emblems of the Chalukyas found on the
temple include a boar, a curled-up lotus stem (behind the boar), a solar
disk above, and a circular object (mirror?) on a stand to the right.
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The boar represents Lord Vishnu in his avatar as Varaha, the
protector. It symbolizes strength, courage, and the ability to remove
obstacles.
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The lotus is a symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. The
curled-up form may signify the unfolding of spiritual knowledge.
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The sun represents the divine light, knowledge, and the life-giving
energy of the universe. It is often associated with the god Surya.
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The circular object, possibly a mirror, symbolizes reflection, truth,
and self-awareness. It can also represent the divine eye, watching
over and guiding the faithful.
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These emblems collectively convey the Chalukya dynasty's devotion to
Hindu deities and their emphasis on spiritual and moral values.
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Column Decoration
The decoration combines motifs of kingship
and fertility. Below a canopy with royal symbols (parasol and crossed
chauris are two registers with lotus flowers. Beneath those, a design
with dwarf pipers (ganas) and kirtimukhas.
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The canopy with royal symbols like the parasol and crossed chauris
(fly-whisks) signifies royalty and authority. These items are
traditional symbols of kingship and are often associated with divine
protection and power.
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The lotus flowers beneath the royal symbols represent purity, beauty,
and spiritual awakening. The lotus is a powerful symbol in Hinduism,
often associated with deities like Vishnu and Lakshmi.
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The dwarf pipers, or ganas, are mischievous and playful attendants of
the gods. They symbolize joy, festivity, and the earthly aspects of
life. Their presence adds a touch of humor and liveliness to the
decoration.
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The kirtimukhas, or face masks, are protective and auspicious symbols.
They are often placed at the entrance of temples to ward off evil and
bring good fortune.
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Together, these motifs create a harmonious blend of royal authority
and divine blessings, celebrating both the earthly and spiritual
realms.
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Seershasana (head-down) yoga pose
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The inverted position of Seershasana reverses the flow of energy
within the body, helping to balance the chakras (energy centers) and
promote a sense of inner harmony and calm.
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The position stimulates the Sahasrara (crown) and Ajna (third eye)
chakras, fostering spiritual insight and enhancing intuition.
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Practicing Seershasana requires concentration and balance, which
cultivates mental clarity, improves focus, and promotes a meditative
state of mind.
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The humility required to practice Seershasana, as it places the head
below the heart, symbolizes the dissolution of ego and encourages a
sense of surrender to higher consciousness.
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The pose is believed to rejuvenate the mind and body, boost blood
circulation to the brain, and enhance overall vitality.
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Seershasana is often referred to as the "king of all asanas" due to
its comprehensive benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. However, it
should be practiced with caution and proper guidance to ensure safety
and effectiveness.
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Entrance door to the pillared hall
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The king of serpents (Shesha or Vasuki) represented above the
entrance door to the pillared hall
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The King of Serpents symbolizes divine strength and authority. Shesha,
for instance, is the serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines,
representing the cosmic balance and the support of the universe.
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These serpentine figures are seen as protectors and guides. Vasuki,
for example, played a crucial role in the churning of the ocean
(Samudra Manthan), symbolizing sacrifice and service.
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The presence of the King of Serpents above the entrance door signifies
the maintenance of cosmic order and balance. It acts as a guardian,
ensuring the sanctity of the temple space.
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Serpents are often associated with wisdom, power, and regeneration.
Their depiction above the pillared hall door highlights these
attributes and their importance in spiritual practices.
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Nandi watching Shiva Linga
The Nandi occupying the center of
the pillared hall is probably a later placement.
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Nandi represents unwavering devotion and loyalty to Lord Shiva. His
constant gaze at the Shiva Lingam symbolizes the ideal devotee's focus
and dedication to the divine.
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Nandi is also seen as the guardian of dharma (righteousness). By
watching over the Shiva Lingam, he ensures the sanctity and purity of
the temple space, protecting it from negative influences.
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The bull is a symbol of strength, endurance, and fertility. Nandi's
presence signifies the powerful and enduring nature of Shiva's divine
energy.
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Nandi's contemplative posture encourages devotees to meditate and
focus their minds on spiritual pursuits. It serves as a reminder of
the importance of single-pointed concentration in spiritual practice.
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Nandi's contemplation of the Shiva Lingam embodies the principles of
devotion, protection, strength, and meditation, inspiring devotees to
cultivate these qualities in their own spiritual journeys.
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Shiva lingam in the temple sanctum
The sanctum now contains
a lingam but originally may have enshrined some other deity.
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The Shiva Lingam represents the cosmic pillar of energy, the source of
all creation, and the union of Shiva (the formless) and Shakti (the
dynamic power). It signifies the infinite nature of the universe and
the unmanifest form of the divine.
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The Lingam is an aniconic representation of Lord Shiva, transcending
human attributes and forms. It emphasizes the formless, all-pervading
nature of Shiva, who is both the destroyer and transformer in the
cosmic cycle.
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The Shiva Lingam serves as a focal point for devotees during
meditation and worship, helping them connect with the divine presence.
It is believed to aid in concentrating the mind and invoking the
blessings of Lord Shiva.
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The Lingam, often accompanied by the yoni (a symbol of the goddess
Shakti), represents the creative and regenerative power of the divine.
Together, they signify the unity and balance of male and female
energies in the cosmos.
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Worshiping the Shiva Lingam is believed to lead to spiritual awakening
and liberation (moksha). It encourages devotees to transcend their
material existence and realize their connection with the eternal
divine.
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The sanctum (garbha griha) housing the Shiva Lingam is considered the
most sacred part of the temple. It is the spiritual heart of the
temple, where the divine energy is most concentrated, and only priests
typically enter this space.
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See Also
Source
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