An ancient cave temple site is located in the Indian city of Badami, about 150 kilometres southwest of Bengaluru. It was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017. An ancient cave-temple complex, the Badami Cave Temples are some of the finest examples of early Indian rock-cut architecture.
These temples were built by the imperial Western Chalukya Empire in the 6th century and are decorated with beautiful reliefs, including images of Hindu deities and scenes from epics such as the Mahabharata, and daily life in ancient India.
The site consists of 12 caves built between the 5th and 7th century AD, which together form an archaeological museum with magnificent stone sculptures and paintings depicting stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. These carvings cover wall surfaces, pillars and ceilings over an area of nearly 3,000 square metres.
How to reach Badami
By air:
It is located at a distance of 190 km from Badami to Belgaum, the nearest airport. To reach Badami, which is directly connected to Belgaum via road, you can hire a prepaid taxi or take a bus from the airport. It’s easy to reach Belgaum since many domestic flights land there from major Indian cities.
By train:
In Hubli, located 100 kilometres from Badami, there is a railway station close by. In addition to the state bus, you can also hire a prepaid taxi to reach Badami directly from Hubli.
By road:
You can reach Badami easily by bus or personal vehicle since it is located halfway between Belgaum and Bangalore. Badami travel packages are available from various tour and travel agencies in different cities.
Must-visit Badami Cave Temples
Bhutanatha Temple
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The Bhutanatha Temple is a Hindu temple situated on the banks of the Narmada river in the town of Badami. It was built by Pulikesi, a ruler of the Chalukya dynasty, who reigned from 616 to 642 CE. The temple is one the most important Hindu temples in Karnataka and dates back to between 550 and 567 CE.
Cave Temples
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The Badami Caves are a group of 34 rock-cut Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves dating back to the 5th century AD. The caves represent the earliest known examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. These temples were carved out as a result of a shift in religious patronage from Buddhism to Hinduism. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Karnataka state in Southern India.
Banashankari Temple
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The Banashankari Temple is located in the town of Banashankari, which is now a suburb of Bangalore. The temple was built by the Hoysala Empire during the 12th century. It is dedicated to Shakti, goddess of power and wisdom, and her consort Shiva.
Mahakuta Temple
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The Mahakuta Temple was built in the 10th century by an emperor of the Western Chalukya dynasty. It is a rock-cut temple with a colonnade and an open mandapa. The main shrine houses a large statue of Nataraja, the dancing form of Shiva. The temple is said to have been constructed by Raja Narendra, who ruled from 944 to 973.
Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple
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The Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple is one of the oldest and most well-preserved cave temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located within a fort which was constructed in the early 8th century AD. The site is believed to have been commissioned by King Shivamara II as an act of devotion.
See also: Dilwara Temples: The top 5 temples to visit
Mallikarjuna Temple
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The Mallikarjuna Temple is the most famous and oldest in the Badami caves. This temple of Mallikarjuna is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the first free-standing temples built in India and dates back to 642 AD. The entire structure was carved out of a single stone, which was very impressive for its time. Sadly, some of the original carvings have been defaced by Muslim invaders over the centuries and can no longer be seen.
Sangameshwara Temple
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The Sangameshwara Temple is one of the most important cave temples in India. It was built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty, who ruled from Southern India until they were conquered by the Western Chalukyas in 973. The temple lies on a platform that overlooks a valley. One of its standout features is an impressive monolithic statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull carrier. Which was carved out of a single rock and adorns the front of the temple.
FAQs
What is the number of cave temples in Badami cave?
A monolithic stone face was carved into the escarpment of the hill to the southeast of the town to create four cave temples.
What is the most famous temple in Badami?
Banashankari Temple, also known as Banashankari Amma Temple, is one of Badami's most popular tourist attractions.
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