Badami Cave Temples of Karnataka
Badami is a small rural town of Bagalkot district, Karnataka. When I saw the crowded narrow lanes of Badami town for the first time, I was finding it hard to comprehend the beautiful rock cut Badami cave temples belonged to this place. So much of chaos!
Just a few kilometer’s drive from the main bus stand we were at the foot hills of red sand stone mountains and looking up we saw the Badami caves, dug in a series across the mountain. The cave temples of Badami are dedicated to different religions sects. Gods of Hinduism – Lord Shiva and Vishnu, Jain Tirthankaras and one could be to Buddhism.
Agastya Lake Badami – View of Agastya Lake from that height is soothing.
Besides these cave temples, Badami is famous for many other temples – Bhutanatha Group of Temples in Badami, Banashankari Amma Temple, Mahakuta Temple, Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Uma Maheshwari Temple, Galaganatha Temple and more.
Who built Badami Caves
These magnificent examples of Indian rock cut architecture, the Badami caves construction dates back to 540AD. It was under reign of Chalukya dynasty then.
Pulakeshin I founded the city and made it his capital and it remained so till 757AD. His son Kirtivarman I and his brother Mangalesha I (ruled in 598 – 610 AD) constructed the cave temples. Kirtivarman had three sons named Pulkeshin II, Vishnuvardhana, and Buddhavarasa.
These caves speak highly of the secular nature of the rulers then. They had high tolerance to other religions then, Buddhism and Jainism.
Legend around Badami Caves
There is a history prior to what we get to read in books and online today. It tells how Badami got its name.
Badami was named Vatapi after a demon who devoured on innocent people living there by deceit. Vatapi’s brother Ilvala invited people for meal, Vatapi would take the form of goat which would be cooked and eaten. After the victim would have taken the meal, Vatapi would take his original form and emerge out killing the victim. He tried the same trick on Sage Agastya, but the clever sage digested his meal before Vatapi could take his form.
Later the town got renamed to Badami due to the color of the sandstone hills.
Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka
Just four caves, small ones, unlike the cave temples that can be seen in Ajanta and Ellora, near Aurangabad Maharashtra. Three of these caves are dedicated to Hindu Gods, the fourth one dedicated to the Jains.
These cave temples date back to 6th and 7th centuries and are not UNESCO World Heritage site, though the ASI is trying hard to get these monuments in the list. Badami Caves, group of 4 cave temples, are worth visiting as the sculpted statues haven’t lost their charm even after so many centuries. All of them are very well maintained and protected.
Badami Cave Architecture
Badami caves were built by using sandstone available on the hills in Badami town. The architectural plan of the caves includes an entrance, a mukha mandapa or veranda, a hall, and a garbha griha or small shrine. The veranda is supported by a series of columns and brackets. The caves were built on the basis of Nagara and Dravida architecture.
First Cave of Badami
First sight that greeted us here was that of 18 armed Nataraja, the manifestation of God Shiva. It is depicted in 81 imposing poses. Since Nataraj is Dancing Shiva, these arm poses depict Bharatanatyam dance moves. Another interpretation is it depicts the cosmic wheel.
Other noteworthy sculpted idols in Cave 1 of Badami are that of Goddess Parvati, in the form of Mahishasura mardini and Ardhanarishwara, signifying equality between man and woman.
Nataraja in first cave of Badami
Ardhanarishwari
Idol of Harihara
Harihara (half Vishnu, half Shiva) with Goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati. This depicts the Chalukya philosophy of equality between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Second and Third Cave Temples of Badami
A flight of steps take you to the 2nd cave. Each of the next caves is made at a level higher than the previous. Second cave of Badami has exquisite depiction of the 10 avatars of God Vishnu. The large relief of Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama is bound to hold your attention for long.
Trivikrama second cave of Badami – vaman avatar of Lord Vishnu
Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu
Varaha Temple in Badami Cave 2
Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) being saved by Varaha Avtar (Boar Form) of God Vishnu. He fights demon Hiranyaksha and rescues Bhoomi Devi from the the depths of Ocean to Her rightful place.
Other 2 Varaha Temples are in – Khajuraho Temple (where He is in pure animal form) and Bhu Varahaswamy Temple in Tirupati (it is believed that after rescuing Bhoomi Devi, Lord Vishnu stayed in this temple in Tirupati).
Varaha Temple Cave 2 in Badami
Of the 4 cave temples of Badami the third one is the most beautiful one. Lord Vishnu is depicted seated over adishesha. Could it be because of lack of space, I wondered. Usually Lord Vishnu is in a resting posture on adishesha.
Lord Vishnu sitting on Adishesha
Fourth Cave Temple of Badami
The fourth cave had the carvings of Mahavira and the 24 Tirthankaras of Jains.
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- Sculpted images in Jain temple Badami
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- Tirthankara Jain temple
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- Idol inside shrine of Jain temple
Indian Cave Temples
India has the most number of examples of rock cut architecture. They are mostly religious in nature, revered by locals for centuries. I have collated information on several cave temples in India . Read here – 20 Cave Temples of India
Tips to visit Cave Temples of Badami
- Total steps around 190, difficult to access for physically challenged.
- Tour time can take one to one and half hours.
- Visit in morning hours when sunlight falls on the entrance of the caves.
- Parking is available, photography is allowed.
- Guide services available.
- Take water along. No eateries around the cave.
Open timings of Caves of Badami
The caves are open to public 6am to 6pm.
Tickets for Badami Caves
Nominal charges for parking. Indians have ticket charges of 20INR, foreigners have ticket charges of 250INR.
Near by Tourist Attractions of Badami
540 AD is awesome Indrani. What a different time. Inspired skills here too.
I remember reading about Chalukya dynasty in school and history did not interest me the least bit at the time. However, I can only imagine that my interest would have been there if I had actually got the opportunity to see these temples with my own eyes. The cave temples at Badami look really amazing, the carvings from centuries ago are so intriguing and although I have been to the caves in Ajanta, which as you say are bigger and more than these, I’d love to also explore Badami someday! Good to know about the 190 steps beforehand, I usually travel with my parents and they may not enjoy that climb!
Beautiful caves indeed . I have came to know that similar caves are present in “Vidisha-MP” near Sanchi Stupa . But Indrani ji , do you have any idea that why these caves are always dedicated to HIndu , Jain and Buddhist Gods everywhere ??
great series
Thanks a lot for your sharing,very nice sightseeing places,best wishes
The caves are really beautiful and wonderful !! The statue and architecture is lovely..Great post..
The carvings are beautiful and striking. Great craftsmen !
Awesome as always. If you come by my spot tomorrow, there will be something on it for you in my post for the day.
The architecture is amazing. Very detailed.
Very short and crisp write-up ang great pictures.
I only bow and say thanks with
the heart full of joy.
नमस्ते
I passed through Karnataka last week, but had no time to stop. So much to see!!
wow! you always wow with your wonderful travel snippets about the beautiful places you visit!
What a fabulous place, Indrani! The sculptures are amazing. For its beauty and interest I understand that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Very fine images!
Very interesting history.
i'm always fascinated about hindu gods…they're like pharaohs in egypt…they both have mysterious and deep stories to tell… wonderful photos…
Incredible sculptures, and in caves as well. Lovely pictures.
wow! they really are beautiful!!!!! have heard a lot about them,but have never been there yet!
The carvings are stunning, and the cavves must be cool and inviting!
awesome structures… the Hindu culture has spread far and wide. In Malaysia too, there are many signs of Hindu culture that have survived until this day
Thankfully this is a World Heritage site and will be protected for future generations.
The pictures of the sculptures are fantabulous to say the least…and the write up is exquisite…you must be having fun doing this
what kind of camera are you using?
A kilometre from the bus stop . . .
Nice pictures. I wonder, religion has given us such master pieces of art but science has only given us impatience… It is good that they are at least protecting these monuments.
BTW you have been awarded and tagged on the topic 'Fast Furious and Danceable songs'. Do it, if you find time.
Destination Infinity
Interesting place! the one in man-lion form is just wonderfully craved and its unlike general.
I amazes me how many castles and sculptures I've seen on your blog this past year. I'm glad I discovered it!
Amazing Indrani! And informative for me, I had no idea about these caves, and these beautiful sculptures!!!
The good part is these are protected and taken care of!
Very interesting ! An amazing architecture and carving in the red stone.
Indrani,
Just gorgeous. I recognize some of the figures. We just opened the new Arts of India Gallery at our museum. I must have learned something from the museum and you! Thanks!
That's just incredible. You capture some of the most fascinating images.
Marvellous! Absolutely marvellous! I dream to visit South India! Maybe in 2010 or in 2011. But now, in September, I will fly from Istanbul to Delhi and will continue to Ladakh, Dharamsala and Amritsar! An organized trip. I'll share the photos of your beautiful country on my blog when I'll return to Istanbul.
Have a great week full of joy and happiness,
Best regards,
All these sculptures are very beautiful! India must have had a great number of great sculptures, and architects!
What amazing sculptures! So full of history, meaning and feeling.
Your photos are fabulous. I enjoyed seeing this most magnificent place through your eyes.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
History of such caves has been fascinating for me. I've visited places like kanheri caves, elephanta caves, in mumbai, just to get a feel of that era. These are some nice pictures and great information you've shared in this post 🙂
I'm always happy to read about heritage sites that are well maintained and protected. Even your caves are filled with visual history! Lots to learn and appreciate.
This is beautiful. Such lovely and intricate carvings. Nataraja is a fascinating pose to sculpt. I love the portrayal of nataraja in Indian dances as well. Lovely post.
Amazing. All this goes back to the 6th & 7th century? Do they still do work like this in modern day India? I mean, the labor it took to do all this and all the temples and forts you have in India – you're a nation of artists and artisans.
What an amazing place.. Wish I was in India and could just hop on a cheap flight… 🙁
Thanks for the lovely post.. another one saved in my favourites..
They are very amazing..I wish to be there one day.
It is pleasing to see how well preserved these ultra-high relief staues have been over time in comparison to those weathering out in the open.
A delightful and informative post.
Beautiful images and great architecture! The carvings are so detailed and intricate.
It was obvious from the photos that the caves were well maintained and the carvings could really shine there like they deserve.
Indrani,
I'm loving this place… Esp, the first pic of Nataraja (Lord Shiva) with 18 arms is not common… It ia feast to eyes… Thanks for this..
My Travelogue
Nice sculptures Indrani. It's something similar to ELephanta caves.
Is that natural light falling on sculptures or you did some tricks.
So interesting to see carvings inside the cave. Nice to preserve them.
It's hard to imagine the people whose hands must have expertly carved these and the people who lived there then, watching and appreciating them. So fascinating!
Amazing carvings, so beautiful! Thank you for this very interesting post.
These are amazing carvings. So full of spirit yet celebrating the human form.
Wow! These are magnificent and very well preserved. I can understand why it's a World Heritage Site. Are they natural caves?
The rock in the bottom of the canyon is called Vishnu schist.
This is a lovely place with huge sculptures. Wonderful snaps.
Brilliant sculptures.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Amazing culture and history in these sculptures. Thanks for showing them!
What a beautiful place, and justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Great shots.
Janice.
Amazing caves !!
The first shot from the
"18 armed Nataraja"
and
the fourth cave
are my favorites 🙂
Wonderful ART ..
Magnificent shots, Indrani! What a fabulous place and the history is fascinating. Always appreciate that you share that with us as well as the photos. Marvelous post!
Enjoy!
Sylvia
Great pictures. It must be so fascinating to see in person.
The caves are amazing. I am so enchanted by the beautiful carvings. You have so many architectural and artistic treasures in your country.