Meguti Jain temple is the only dated temple of Aihole that was built atop a hill in 634 AD. The temple’s construction work was never completed; however, it provides an important evidence of the early development of the Dravidian style of architecture.
Meguti Jain Temple View
About Meguti Jain Temple :
The Meguti Temple has the distinction of being the only temple in Aihole which can clearly be traced back to 634 AD.
Perched above a small hill, this temple, though incomplete, represents the early development of the Dravidian style of architecture. Built without mortar, the Meguti Jain Temple placed is on a raised platform with a flight of steps leading to the large, pillared mukhamandapa. Upstairs on the roof is another shrine directly above the main shrine. The superstructure rising above the sanctum wall of the temple has been built at a later date. Even the 16-columned porch and hall extensions are later additions.
The inscription which accurately dates this temple can be found on one of the outer walls of the temple and records its construction to be made by a Ravikeerti, who was a commander & minister of Pulakesin II.
Meguti Jain Temple
Attractions Of Meguti Jain Temple In Aihole :
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.
Meguti Jain Temple is another remarkable temple of its kind. Located in Aihole on the Megutigudda, this temple exhibits Dravidian style of architecture. The temple stands on a hill and thus named as “Megana Basadi”, meaning the The Upper Temple, which in course of time was corrupted to Megudi or Meguti.
The temple has a pillared hall in the front, and an antarala and a sanctum in the back. On its outer walls is the famous Aihole inscription dated back to the 6th century (634 AD) which gives records of the temple construction by Ravikeerti, the commander and minister of Pulikeshin II. This temple has resemblance to the Lad Khan temple .
Jain Meguti Temple belongs to the Galaganatha Group of Temple and is located on a small hilltop in Aihole. According to inscriptions, the temple was built in 634 AD by Ravikeerthi, a commander and minister of Pulakesin II. Though these temples were not completed, their carving and style is more refined than the Badami Cave Temples and other temples of that era.
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