English: Aihole temples and monuments, also called Aivalli or Ayyavole or Aiholi temples and monuments, are a collection of over 100 temples built predominantly between 6th and 8th century near Malaprabha river in Karnataka. At this point, the river turns northwards towards the Himalayas which likely had significance as a location.
Though defaced and damaged after the region was conquered by Muslim commanders of the Delhi and Bijapur Sultanate, the collection is one of the earliest surviving temples and window to ancient Indian arts, religious beliefs, society and architecture. Almost all temples are related to Hinduism, but these co-exist with a few Jain temples of this period and one Buddhist monument. Both north Indian and south Indian styles fuse here, with monuments suggesting experimentation of ideas and building styles under the sponsorship of late Gupta period Hindu kingdoms, particularly the Calukyas and Rashtrakutas.
The Huchappaya matha temple is a smaller temple west of the main collection of Aihole monuments. The temple has two main buildings, the first a Shiva temple, the second a simpler monastery style covered building.
The Shiva temple has many kama scenes of couples in various stages of courtship and amorous relationship. The entrance has Ganga and Yamuna goddesses standing. Inside, the ceiling has artwork depicting Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. A seated Nandi faces the Shiva linga. There are additional intricate carvings inside the temple.