Badami caves india
The rock-cut architectural styles of India have greatly contributed to
making the history of country deeper and richer. The Badami Caves of Badami
in the state of Karnataka prove to be big draw for both holidaymakers and
history buffs. The erstwhile capital of the Chalukya rulers, Badami claims
its position at the mouth of a ravine surrounded by rocky hills. The cave
temple carved out of sandstone hills are truly heart stirring for one and
all.
Dating back between 600 and 700 CE, the Badami Caves showcase the
architectural blend of the North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian
styles. The caves are four in number, each chiselled out of soft sandstone
on a hill cliff. The caves belong to different sects. Out of a total of
four, two are dedicated to Lord Shiva, one to Lord Shiva and the fourth one
belongs to the Jain community.
Attractions Within
The caves remind us of the Chalukyas who ruled the region between 6th and
12th centuries. The cave architecture is an evidence to their artistic
brilliance. Each of the sandstone carved caves has a sanctum sanctorum, a
mandapa, a veranda and pillars. On the walls of the temple, one can notice
carvings and murals that are truly worth appreciation. Inside cave I, you
will observe carvings of an 18-armed dancing Shiva, a two-handed Ganesha,
Ardha Nareeshwara etc. Other cave attractions include panels of Trivikrama,
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva etc. The image of Lord Mahavira in Cave IV is also
worth seeing.
Accessibility
Belgaum (150 km) is the closest air-link. The Badami railhead is 6 km from
the town. Road routes link Badami with places like Bijapur, Bagalkot,
Hospet, Hubli, Bangalore and Kolhapur.
The erstwhile capital of early Chalukyas, Badami is known for its beautiful carved cave temples belonging to 6th & 7th centuries. Wedged between two rocky hills at the mouth of a ravine, the four rock-cut cave temples display the full range of religious sects that evolved in India. Overlooking the sandstone caves, is an artificial lake lined with four temples on its shores. While three of the temples belong to Vedic faith, the fourth and natural cave is the only Jain temple at Badami. Out of the three Hindu temples, two are dedicated to Lord Vishnu while one is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The beautiful carvings, paintings and bracket figures depict Lord Narasimha (with the face of a lion and body of a man), Lord Vishnu Hari Hara (half-Shiva and half-Vishnu), Vishnu Narayana sitting or reclining on Shesh Nag or Ananta (Eternity) and various other figures and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Each of the cave temples have a sanctum, a hall, an open verandah and pillars adorned with spectacular carvings and sculptures. The architectural style can be said to be a blend of Indian Nagara style and the South Indian Dravidian style. The beautiful murals and the masterpieces found in these caves include the well-renowned idol of 18-armed Lord Nataraja (Shiva), which seems to strike 81 poses when observed closely. Cave 4 or the last cave houses the idol of 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira seated against a cushion in the inner sanctum. It is said that the construction of the world-famous Elephanta and Ellora caves were inspired by the Badami caves. The other shrines worth visiting at Badami are the the shrine of Nagamma, the local serpent goddess, on the bank of the ancient Bhutnatha lake, and the two Shiva temples where Lord Shiva can be seen sitting in a rare pose of leaning back besides the water in the inner sanctum.
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