Badami Caves in Karnataka

Located in the south Indian state of Karnataka, Badami caves are renowned for its magnificent carved cave temples, artificial lake, and museums. Surrounded by the yawning expanse of the flat farm land, Badami was once the capital of the Chalukya empire , which covered much of the central Deccan between the 4th and 8th century. Along with these cave temples you will find number of other historical monuments belonging to the ancient period.

These caves reflect the perfect blend of the architectural design of the south India and north Indian Nagara. Beyond the Badami village, to the east, lies the artificial lake, Agastya, that dates back to the fifth century. The whole Badami area is home to the troupes of monkeys, especially around the monuments, and you are likely to find the funny characters all over you if you offer any food.

Located between a lake and a hill of sans stone, Badami cave temple complex comprises four ancient rock cut caves. Out of which three are Brahmanical caves and one is is Jain cave. These caves are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Mahavira Swamy.

Cave 1 :
Cave 1, located just above the entrance of the complex, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out in the later half of the 56th century, it is probably the oldest of the four caves. On the cliff wall to the right is the striking 1.5 m high image of a sixteen armed dancing Shiva, known as Nataraja. He holds a snake, a musical instrument and a trishula (trident).

The cave is fully filled with the paintings and splendid carvings, that will mesmerize you the moment you get a glimpse of them. The porch area is highlighted with the huge figure of Ardhanarishvara. The right half of the figure shows features of Lord Shiva, such as matted hair and third eye. While to the left of the porch, a dvarpala door guardian stands beneath Nandi bull.

Cave 2 :
A little higher, similar to the Cave 1, is the Cave 2, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The cave boosts of some of the impressive sculptures and paintings along with the huge shrine of Lord Vishnu. IN this cave you will find Vishnu in different forms and shapes. In one of the images Lord Vishnu is portrayed as Trivikrama. The image is shown with one foot conquering the earth and the other covering the sky.

There is one more very beautiful image of Vishnu which displays him as Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu. But the most striking feature of the cave is the form Lord Vishnu, riding the Garuda and the lotus is encircled by the sixteen fishes. Step and slopes lead on upwards, past a natural cave containing a smashed image of the Buddhists bodhisattva, Padmapani, an incarnation of Buddha.

Cave 3 :
Carved in AD 578, Cave 3 stands beneath thirty meter high perpendicular bluff. It is largest and most attractive cave of the four caves. On the left hand of the cave is a large carving of the Lord Vishnu, sitting on the coils of the snake. Next to it lies the spectacular image of Varaha with four hands. The pillars have carved brackets in the shape of yalis and the sides of the pillars are also carved. There are also images of Shiva on the bull, Indra rising an elephant and Brahma on swan.

Cave 4 :
Among the three Brahmanical caves it is the only Jain temple cave in Badami. It is situated to the east of other three caves, overlooking the Agastya cave and the town. The construction of this cave cave took almost 100 years. The main highlight of the cave is the image of Lord Mahavira inside the sanctum. Another most important image in the cave is that of Suparshvanatha surrounded by 24 Jain tirthankars.