The Durga Temple, an early 8th-century Hindu temple located in Aihole, Karnataka, India, was originally dedicated to Surya. It features the most elaborate and largest relief panels in Aihole, showcasing artwork related to Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Vedic deities.
In addition to its exquisite carvings, the Durga Temple is notable for its apsidal plan, a rare feature in early Chalukyan Hindu temple architecture.
Although originally dedicated to Surya, the temple is now called Durga because a fortification (durg) was constructed on top of it in the 13th century, during the conflicts between Hindu kingdoms and Islamic Sultanates.
The rubble lookout survived until the 19th century when the site was rediscovered, though it is now gone, and the temple has been restored. The Durga Temple remains the most prominent attraction in Aihole, drawing both tourists and scholars.