Lad Khan temple is the second most important temple in Durga Gudi Complex in terms of size and aesthetics. However, his temple is said to be one of the oldest i.e. built during V century CE. This is one of the few temples in Karnataka where a stone ladder can be seen; the ladder connects the ground floor to the sloping terrace. On the terrace is a small chamber at the center. The temple has a primitive look, the entrance looks like a cave's mouth. The terrace is sloping and an array of stone bars on the terrace creates an effect of a thatched roof.
|Royal emblem of Chalukyas; Varaha, Shankha, Chakra and a mirror.|
|Royal umbrella and fans.|
A sculpture of Nandi at the center of the hall. In the background is one of the many decorative mesh windows providing ventilation to the interior.
|Rear view of Lad Khan temple.|
Gaudaragudi is believed to be the oldest among the 100+ temples of Aihole. Said to be built during V century CE, it was Mahalakshmi or Bhagavathi temple and back then the town was also known by the name Bhagavathi Kolla. Gaudara Gudi is smaller but looks similar to Lad Khan temple.
|Simple yet beautiful 1500 year old sandstone temple.|