Badami is famous for its rock cut structural temples, fortress and exquisite carvings. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake….(Read in detail)
OverviewThe first cave at the entrance of the Badami cave temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva in linga form. The cave is oldest of the four caves, probably carved out during 550 AD. The side walls of the porch have large-size relief sculptures of Harihara on the left and Ardhanarishvara. The cave has a square sanctum that consists about 40 carved pillars standing in the hall. Intricate carvings on pillars, ceiling and cave walls are amazing. The main hall of the temple has about 81 dance poses of Lord Nataraja, God of Dance, having 18 hands. |
 OverviewCave 2 is just above and to east of cave 1. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was created in late 6th or early 7th century. Two-armed, calmly diposed mediatating door-guardians flank the entrance to the porch. Cave 2 depicts the legend of Vishnu avatars. One being Vamana-Trivikrama shown conquering earth with one foot and sky with the other.The second form is the Varaha, ‘a boar’ and the third one is in form of Lord Krishna, riding a Garuda. Beams and pillars carry friezes of puranic episodes and the ceiling panel features decorative pattern and medallions. |
OverviewCave 3 is the biggest and most attractive of all the four caves. Facing north, Cave 3 is 60 steps from Cave 2 at a higher level. The cave was created in 578 AD by Chalukya Mangalesha, in the reign of his step-brother Kirtivarma I. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The front of the cave is spread over 70 feet and contains carvings of Trivikrama, Narasimha, Shankaranarayana, Bhuvaraha, Anantasayana, Harihara and many Ganas. |
OverviewCave 4 is a Jaina Cave-temple and it is smallest among the four. It is said to be built during early 7th century. This cave temple is dedicated to tirthankaras, the revered figures of Jainism. The temple contains a mesmerizing sculpture of tirthankara, probably of Adinatha, inside the sanctum with halo behind and seated on a lion throne under a chaitya-tree and triple-umberalla. Lord Parsvanath is shown with the five-headed cobra hood and Bahubali in standing mediatating posture. There are also many other caves in Badami other than these numbered caves. |
OverviewAgastya lake has a wonderful suroundings. Badami caves are located on South west part of the lake. Bhootnatha temple is on eastern bank of the lake and the fort on the north western side. It is said to be artificial lake built during 5th century. This sacred lake is said to posses healing powers. The Puranas refers to this area as Vatapi and Agastya Tirtha. It state that wicked asura Vatapi was killed by sage Agastya. |
OverviewBadami Fort is one of the archeological monuments in Badami. Badami Fort is placed on a hilltop opposite Badami caves. This ancient fort was erected by Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshi during 543 AD. Though much of the splendor have been lost over time and also due to plundering by rulers of enemy dynasties, its marvelous structure still attract tourists from all around. Some of the fort walls is said to be replaced by Tipu Sultan. Badami fort complex has a number of wonderful structures such as two Shivalaya dating back to the 5th century, a spacious underground chamber, watch towers, huge cannon and huge granaries. |
OverviewBhuthanatha group of temples is a cluster of sandstone shrines situated on eastern bank of Agastya Lake. There are two major temples here. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Bhuthanatha. The view from the temples of the lake, especially during the sunset is breath taking. |
OverviewThe Archaeological Museum of Badami was established in 1979. This museum comprises of four gallaries, an open gallery in the veranda and an open air gallery in front. The museum has various sculpture of Gods and goddess such as Ganapati, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in different forms, Lajja Gouri, Bhagavata scences etc. |
OverviewBanashankari Devi Temple is located at Cholachagudd near Badami, in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, India. It is popularly called Banashankari or Vanashankari. Vanashankari is made up of two Sanskrit words: vana (“forest”) and Shankari (“the consort of Shiva, Parvati”). The temple is located in the Tilakaaranya forest. The original temple was built by the 7th century Kalyani Chalukya kings. It is also said that the original temple was in existence even before the reign of the Chalukyas who gave royal favour to the beliefs of the Vaishnava, Shaivaite, Jain and Shakta religious orders. The present refurbished temple was built in 1750, by Parusharam Agale, a Maratha chieftain. The structure of Banashankari Devi Temple was built in Vijayanagara architectureal style. At the entrance of the temple, there is 360ft square water tank called Haridra Tirtha (formerly called Harishchandra Tirtha). Banashankari Devi FairBanashankari Devi Fair is held annually in January on the full moon day and lasts for 10 to 12 days, in reverence of Banashankari Devi. Agricultural tools, utensils and other articles of domestic needs are bartered and the villagers make many of their purchases at this fair. Cultural programmes (music, drama and circus) are held to entertain the largely rural community. Cattle fair is also held during this festival. The festival also marks another unique event namely, the Teppotsava (the boat festival) held in the temple tank. The Banashankari Devi fair is held annually in January on the full moon day and lasts for 10 to 12 days. Rathotsava or car festival is a major attraction of the fair. The chariots are generally 5–6 m in height and weigh several tonns. |