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Home ::
South India Temples :: Badami
Cave Temple India
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Situated
in north Karnataka, Badami was the erstwhile capital of the Chalukya empire.
Badami is located at the mouth of a ravine flanked by two rocky hills. The town
is known for its cave temples - all carved out of sandstone hills. Badami Cave
temple India comprises of four caves, the third cave temple dedicated to Lord
Vishnu is the largest and the most picturesque. The caves of the temples represent
different religious sects. In front of the cave temple, there is a reservoir
dotted with temples on its bank. Among them, two are dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
one to Lord Shiva and the fourth is a Jain Temple. Badami Cave temple in Karnataka
have some spectacular carving displaying the Hindu gods, Narashima and Hari
Hara. The temples also have paintings on the ceiling and interesting bracket
figures on the piers. » Cave 1 : Made of red stone, this
cave was built in 578 A.D. A climb of about 40 steps takes one to the cave.
The cave has an open verandah, a hall with several pillars and a square
shaped sanctum. One can see beautifuly crafted column shafts and painting of
amorous couples on the ceiling. Shiva as Natraja with 18 arms, is portrayed
here in 81 different dancing poses.
» Cave 2 : Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this cave is
situated at the top of a sandstone hill. Vishnu is depicted here as a dwarf
or Trivikrama of amazing dimensions, with one foot commanding the earth and
the other the sky.
»
Cave 3 : The cave temple at Badami India with its origin dating back to 578 A.D, is located up
on the hill. The facade of the cave is 70 ft wide and the plinth has the
carvings of ganas. Built in the Deccani art, the cave is a fine specimen of
the sheer artistry and sculptural genius. The cave provides a close insight
into the art and culture of the 6th century. Major attractions of the cave
include the high relief of Vishnu with a serpent, Vishnu as Narasimha,
Varaha, Harihara (Shiva -Vishnu) and Vishnu as Trivikrama.
» Cave 4 : The only Jain cave lies to the east of
Cave 3. The 24th Tirthankara- Mahavira, can be seen here, seated in a
comfortable pose.
History & Legends - Cave Temple at Badami India
The Badami Cave Temple in Karnataka is linked with the ancient kingdom of Chalukyas.
Badami was originally founded by Pulakesin I, in the 6th century A.D, but
the architectural developments were made by Chalukyas. They built many
temples and monuments, marking the beginning of the Hindu style of
architecture. The examples of Chalukyan style can be seen in cave temple at Badami
India, Aihole, Pattadakal and many other Buddhist and Jain monasteries in
the region. The region was also ruled by the Chalukyas of Kalyan (a separate
branch of Chalukyas), the Kalachuryas, Yadavas of Devangiri and the
Vijaynagar Empire. In the medieval period Badami was ruled by Adil Shahi
rulers of Bijapur and the Marathas.
Festivals & Celebration - Badami Cave Temple in Karnataka
Badami Cave Temple in Karnataka and its nearby areas are famous for a number of annual temple
festivals. The annual temple festival of Banashankari, held during January/
February is very popular. Other important festivals are the Virupaksha
Temple Car Festival and Mallikarjuna Temple Festival held at Pattadakal,
celebrated in the during of March/ April.
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