Jain Temple of Meguti The early seventh century Jain Temple of Meguti is located at Aihole in Bagalkote district, Karnataka. This north-facing temple features a large Mandapa with a Garbhagriha (sanctum) at its centre, which houses an image of a seated Tirthankara. An oblong open veranda is situated in front of the hall, providing access to the upper shrine, which currently has no roof or tower. The temple's adhisthana (base) and walls are designed in the early Chalukyan style. Its eastern outer wall contains the famous inscription composed in Sanskrit using the Old Kannada script by the poet Ravikirti. Dated to 634–635 CE, the important inscription records the achievements and victories of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II (608-42 CE), while also mentioning the names of famous Sanskrit poets and playwrite Kalidas and Bharavi. Completed around 634 CE, according to the inscription on its eastern wall, this temple marks the culmination of the temple building activity at Aihole by the Early Chalukyas. It has a highly developed pillared porch, an antarala divided into two parts and a sanctum surrounded by pradakshinapatha which was later on converted into rooms. The staircase in the mukhamandapa leads to another shrine just above the main shrine of the ground floor. The sikhara over the upper shrine is now in ruins. Though now partly ruined, this temple provides important evidence about the early development of the south Indian temple style. Sources Archaeological Survey of India ASI Dharwad Circle