So recently, I had a chance to visit Badami caves, in Badami district, regal Vatapi. The Chalukyan king made this his capital and in 543 AD, built these shrines dedicated to Hindu and Jain Gods spread across 5 cave complexes. Ancient ruins among modern malls is one sight to be savored. These archaic rocks have amazingly been standing the test of time. The caves of Badami speak for the royalty that existed there. Made of sandstone, these caves are very cool inside. Below are some pictures of the area.
Entrance to the caves
The site consists of four, numbered caves. Each of these caves is a shrine to important Hindu and Jain deities.
Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. His Nataraj form is given importance and is beautifully constructed. Caves 2 and 3 are primarily dedicated to Vishnu and his many forms are depicted in artistically cut rocks. Cave 4 pays tribute to Jainism and is constructed on a higher plane than other caves.
Shiva (Nataraja) Cave 1
Entrance to the caves
The site consists of four, numbered caves. Each of these caves is a shrine to important Hindu and Jain deities.
Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. His Nataraj form is given importance and is beautifully constructed. Caves 2 and 3 are primarily dedicated to Vishnu and his many forms are depicted in artistically cut rocks. Cave 4 pays tribute to Jainism and is constructed on a higher plane than other caves.
Shiva (Nataraja) Cave 1
Varaha (3rd incarnation of Vishnu), Cave 2
Trivikrama (Vaamana, 5th incarnation of Vishnu), Cave 3
Look how magnificent!
This was the first part of the site. Across the Agastya Lake, there is Bhootnath group of temples, dedicated entirely to Shiva. Below are some pictures of the complex. Really Serene.
Lake Agastya
The Bhootnath Temple Complex
A random picture because I like it :P
These caves are built in such taste that visitors get the vibrant colors of Indian mythology, without having to refer to anything. The intricate carvings, precision in rock cutting and just the general splendor of remains of a once mighty empire, will make you want to stay the whole day (Its necessary too). Every section of the cave, every rock-cut deity has a unique story to it, so its worth investing in the guide manual they hand out at the entrance.
