Meguti Jain Temple, Aihole - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 800 meters from Aihole Bus Stand & Durga Temple Complex, Meguti Jain Temple is situated inside the fortified walls of Aihole fort on a hillock (past Buddhist Temple) south-east of Durga Temple Complex.

Constructed in 634 AD, Meguti Jain Temple is the only dated monument in Aihole. The temple has very valuable inscription in the form of poetry from the reign of Pulakesi II. The temple has two levels, ground level with a large pillared mukhamandapa with empty inner sanctum and a small shrine on top of it which can be reached through steps. The temple has seated figures of Jain teerthankaras. The construction of the temple appears to be incomplete.

One can have a panoramic view of the entire Aihole village and all the monuments of Aihole from the hilltop. The hill is supposed to be the site of Aihole Fort, but except the walls, none of the structures survive today.

From main road, the temple can be reached by a plight of steps that lead to the hill which can be accessed from Mallikarjuna Temple Complex or through the village. The approach road till the steps from main road is very dirty.

There is a Bhuddist Temple few steps below the Meguti temple. The temple is two story structure with large pillared verandah with entrance to a large hall. The upper part of the temple can be accessed by the steps inside the hall in lower part of the temple. This is partly rock-cut temple with pillared structured extended at later point.

The outer walls are plain with a decorated doorway while the ceiling has carvings of Buddha in sitting posture. The temple was closed (as of Sep 2014), probably because of bats attacking visitors.