Jyotirling Temple, Bagalkote, Karnataka Located at Aihole, the ancient capital of Chalukyas of Badami, the Jyotirling Temple dates back to the 8th-9th century CE. The east facing temple is built on a high plinth. A large Nandi is seated between four closely placed central pillars, facing the shrine. . Architecturally, the temple has a mukhamandapa supported by eight pillars, with the middle pillars in both rows placed close to each other. The temple is entered through a flight of four steps on the south. The sabhamandapa is divided by two rows of pillars into a central nave and side aisles. The pillars are square in section and feature two-sided capitals, while the temple is covered with a flat roof. Collectively, the temple town of Aihole has more than 100 temples from Vatapi Chalukya and is considered as the laboratory of the Indian temple architecture. Source: Archaeological Survey of India