Tucked in Aihole, Karnataka, the 7th-century Gaudargudi is a Hindu goddess temple and a Chalukyan marvel illustrating early Dravida architecture. In Kannada language, Gaudargudi refers to its original dedication to "Gauri" (Parvati) and gudi (ಗುಡಿ) means "temple". Gaudargudi gave Aihole, also spelled Ayyavole, one of its historic names – Bhagavati Kolla. Some suggest this temple is from 5th-century.Gaudargudi is another damaged Aihole temple. Yet what remains show intricate carvings, along with log-shaped stone beams, evoking pre-4th century Hindu temples of wood. It sits on an elevated platform. The uttara above Gaudargudi's nave columns shows profusely carved vyāla scrolls and medial bands finished with poetic excellence.
The sanctum's outer wall is a magnificent kapotapālikā supporting framed niches. The vimāna's superstructure uses vaṅgapālikā courses topped by sloping roof-slabs. The temple's doorway features a beautifully carved pañcaśākhā frame. Both north Indian and south Indian influences are found here, as are flourishes that remind of Vakataka artists who sculpted the Ajanta Caves.The Gaudargudi is best appreciated within the context of diverse architecture of some 120 Hindu and Jain temples in Aihole. Of these the nearby Durga temple and Ladkhan temple provide immediate comparison of the kind of talent that flourished by the 7th century in ancient India.
16.019722 N, 75.881556 E
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