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Aihole was a fortified town on the Malaprabha River and the first capital of the Chalukyas. Now it is a mass of ruins to be explored at leisure. The Durgigudi Temple is thus called because it is near the fort (Durga). The temple, dating from the late 7th century, is elevated on a high plinth. Accordingly, it is reached by leg-stretching high steps leading to a porch. This features columns of sensuous couples and guardians. The dedicatee for the temple is unknown. There is a naga ceiling in the mandapa, and a niche with a carving of Durga, her many arms, slaying the demon buffalo. There is also one of those autumnal svastikas as jali in the main hall.