The short answer
Meguti Hill Buddhist Temple: what visitors should know first
Go if you are climbing Meguti hill anyway; it sits on the way up. It is small and rough, but it is the only Buddhist monument at Aihole and shows that the village was not only Hindu and Jain.
History and context
The story behind Meguti Hill Buddhist Temple
The temple is dated to the late 6th century. It is the only Buddhist monument at Aihole, set partly into the rock on Meguti hill.
Useful facts
Meguti Hill Buddhist Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Meguti hill
- Faith
- Buddhist
- Built
- Late 6th century
- Type
- Partly rock-cut, two storeys
- Known for
- Seated Buddha under a parasol, upper level
- Visitor note
- Hill climb
Why it matters
Why Meguti Hill Buddhist Temple is worth your time
Aihole is usually described as a Hindu temple site, but the Buddhist monument on Meguti hill is evidence of a wider religious mix. In the late 6th century a Buddhist community also had a place here, alongside Hindu and Jain neighbours.
Together with the Meguti Jain temple, it gives a sense of how the hill was a religious site over several centuries, not only in the age of Pulakeshin II.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The seated Buddha
On the upper level, under a parasol.
- 02
The pillars
Four full and two partial square pillars.
- 03
The headless Buddha
A statue lies in front, a sign of loss over time.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Buddhist temple sits on Meguti hill, so it is usually combined with the Jain temple. Climb at a steady pace and carry water. The building is partly cut into the rock and partly built, and has two storeys.
On the upper level, look for a seated Buddha under a parasol in the central bay. The room has four full square pillars and two half pillars. A headless Buddha statue lies in front of the temple, a reminder of how much has been lost.
This is a quick stop and mainly useful for the context it gives. Together with the Jain temple above and the Hindu temples below, it shows three faiths on one site.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Climb early and carry water
- Wear grippy shoes
- Combine with the Jain temple
- Skip in wet weather
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Meguti hill, on Meguti hill, near the Jain temple
- Time needed
- 15–25 minutes
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Reached by a hill path, with steps and uneven rock. No shade and no seating. Not suited to anyone with knee or balance problems.
- Tickets and access
- The site is run by the Archaeological Survey of India. Entry fees, timings and camera rules change, so check them on the official ASI or Karnataka tourism pages before you travel; one government tourism listing gives 6 am to 6 pm, but confirm on the day.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Meguti Hill Buddhist Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Reached by a hill path, with steps and uneven rock. No shade and no seating. Not suited to anyone with knee or balance problems.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is there a Buddhist site at Aihole?
Yes, one: the partly rock-cut temple on Meguti hill.
How old is it?
Dated to the late 6th century.
Is the climb hard?
It is a hill walk with steps and uneven rock.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
