BADAMI, (ಬದಾಮಿ or Vatapi as it was known originally), is a historic temple town situated in the Bangalkot district of Northern Karnataka, India. The town mentioned as ‘Badiamaioi’ by Greek Geographer Ptolemy (150 AD) has been recognized as Badami.

Badami served as the seat of power for the Chalukya dynasty, which held sway over various regions of Karnataka from 540 to 757 AD. Located 460 kilometers away from Bangalore, the town of Badami is nestled at the entrance of a gorge shielded by massive red sandstone cliffs on both sides, featuring the picturesque Agastya lake at its center.

BADAMI CAVE TEMPLES. MAGNIFICENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

It is said that the town of Badami derived its name from an asura named Vatapi, who was defeated by the sage Agastya. The Chalukya rulers strategically fortified the hills near the town and constructed numerous temples in the vicinity. The architectural marvels found at Badami, Pattadakkal, Aihole, and Mahakuta serve as prime illustrations of Chalukya craftsmanship.

The rock-cut cave temples constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries AD are the most renowned within this group of temples.

PANORAMIC VIEW OF BADAMI ROCK-CUT CAVE TEMPLES

The celebrated Carnatic recital “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje” dedicated to lord Ganesha at Vatapi, was composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar. After the Chalukyas were vanquished by the Pallavas in the 7th century, the statue of Vatapi Ganapati was moved to TamilNadu, where it is now situated at Uthrapathiswaraswamy Temple, near Thanjavur.

The construction of Badami Cave Temples dates back to the reign of King Pulikeshi-I between 600 and 700 AD. These temples showcase a unique combination of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian architectural styles. Within the four caves, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism were all practiced simultaneously, highlighting the religious tolerance of the Chalukya rulers. Cave-1 is devoted to Lord Shiva, while Caves-2 and 3 are dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, and Cave-4 served as a Jain shrine.

Be cautious of monkeys who are skilled at stealing belongings. It is advisable to refrain from carrying bags or food items to prevent them from snatching your possessions.

INTERIOR OF CAVE-1 : LORD SHIVA STATUES

Cave-1, dating back to 578 AD, is the most ancient among all the caves. Ascend a staircase to reach a rectangular sanctum adorned with numerous pillars and intricate carvings of Lord Shiva and Parvati in various postures. The walls, pillars, and ceiling are lavishly decorated with ornamental designs and murals. The main highlight of the cave is the 18-armed Nataraja statue of Shiva, famously known as the ‘Lord of Dance’. Each pair of hands on the statue represents a mudra from the Bharatanatyam dance form, totaling to 81 mudras depicted in this remarkable sculpture. Ganesh, the son of Shiva, can be seen observing the dance or attempting to mimic his father. Nandi, the bull, is also depicted standing beside Nataraj in the sculpture. Adjacent to the Nataraja statue is a magnificent sculpture of the goddess Mahishasuramardini. Additionally, the cave features an idol of Shiva with Lakshmi and Parvathi on either side. The ceiling of the cave is adorned with a motif of Nagaraja, the serpent king.

18-ARMED NATARAJA RELIEF AT THE ENTRANCE OF CAVE-1

LORD SHIVA IN ANOTHER POSTURE : CAVE-1

LORD SHIVA WITH PARVATI & LAKSHMI ON EITHER SIDES . INSIDE CAVE-1

NAGARAJA MOTIF ON THE CEILING : CAVE-1

REMEMBERING THE GOLDEN PAST : INSIDE CAVE-1

LORD VISHNU IN THE FORM OF TRIVIKRAMA : CAVE-2

STATUE OF VARAHA AVATAR & THE DECORATED CEILING : CAVE-2

Cave-2, constructed during the 6th century AD, bears resemblance in both dimensions and architecture to Cave-1. This cave is devoted to Lord Vishnu in the Trivikrama form, where he is portrayed standing with one foot on Earth and the other directed towards the North. Additionally, Vishnu is also represented in the forms of Krishna and Varaha within this sacred site.

The entrance is guarded by the Dwarapalaka, who holds a flower. Above, the ceiling is adorned with a wheel featuring sixteen fish spokes and swastikas enclosed in square frames.

DWARAPALAKA HOLDING FLOWER : CAVE-2

ROCK-CUT STEPS BETWEEN THE CAVES.

Cave-3, built in 578 AD, stands out as the largest among all the caves. It is a shrine devoted to Lord Vishnu in his different forms. The interiors of the cave are intricately carved, showcasing numerous reliefs of Vishnu such as standing Vishnu, Vishnu holding a serpent, and avatars like Narasimha, Varaha, Harihara, and Trivikrama. The ceiling is adorned with mural paintings of Lord Brahma, with a lotus medallion etched on the floor below it.

CAVE-3 : VISHNU SHRINE. THE BIGGEST AMONG BADAMI CAVE TEMPLES

STATUE OF LORD VISHNU IN THE FORM OF TRIVIKRAMA. CAVE-3

CAVE-3, STATUE OF LORD VISHNU SITTING ON ANANTA THE SNAKE

ANOTHER VIEW OF CAVE-3 THAT DISPLAYS CHALUKYA CRAFTSMANSHIP

LORD VISHNU IN NARASIMHA AVATAR : CAVE-3

INTERIOR OF THE SANCTUM IN CAVE-3. MURALS ON CEILING & LOTUS CARVED ON THE FLOOR

Cave-4 was constructed as a Jain sanctuary during the late 6th or early 7th century. Inside, visitors can admire the exquisite carvings of Bahubali (Mahavir) and various Tirthankaras from the Jain faith that decorate the inner sanctum.

INSIDE CAVE-4 , DEDICATED TO JAIN RELIGION

CAVE-4 WITH THE STATUES OF BAHUBALI AND OTHER TIRTHANKARAS OF JAIN RELIGION

Badami Fort spans across two hills, much of which was destroyed due to conflicts between the Chalukyas and Pallavas. King Pulakeshi I of the Chalukya dynasty built the fort during his rule from 543-566 AD, establishing it as the capital of the Chalukya empire. Visitors can access the hilltop via rock-cut steps starting from the archaeological museum, although the climb is steep and quite strenuous. It is advisable to carry an ample supply of water and be cautious of monkeys. Within the fort are large granaries, along with two temples – the Lower Shivalaya dedicated to Ganesh and the Malegitti Shivalaya dedicated to Shiva at a higher elevation. Legend has it that the Vatapi Ganapathi idol was originally housed in the Lower Shivalaya temple. Additionally, the fort contains treasuries and a cannon installed by Tipu Sultan in the 17th century.

GRANARIES ON TOP OF THE FORT

THE LOWER SHIVALAYA DEDICATED TO LORD GANESHA. IT IS BELIEVED THAT VATAPI GANAPATHI IDOL WAS ORIGINALLY LOCATED HERE.

CLIMBING UP THE HILL COULD BE TIRESOME . IT IS NICE TO SEE THE DIFFERENT ROCK TEXTURES ON YOUR WAY UP .

MALEGITTI SHIVALAYA WITH BADAMI CAVES IN THE BACKDROP

ANOTHER VIEW OF MALEGITTI SHIVALAYA AMID THE RUINS OF THE FORT.

Additional significant sights in Badami include the Bhutanatha temple and Mallikarjuna temples located alongside a reservoir known as the Agasthya Tirtha.

BHUTANATHA TEMPLE ON THE BANKS OF AGASTHYA LAKE

WHEN THE SUN SETS BEHIND THE AGASTHYA LAKE

It is important to explore other tourist attractions such as Pattadakal, Aihole, and Mahakuta, located near Badami. Pattadakal, a historic village, is approximately 20 km away from Badami. Aihole, another significant archaeological site, is situated 14 km from Pattadakal. These locations boast numerous stunning temples dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. The journey through these rural roads is quite fascinating, passing by sunflower gardens and lush farms. The natural beauty of the countryside is truly remarkable.

PATTADAKAL : ANCIENT TEMPLES RESTORED BY DEPT OF ARCHEOLOGY

PATTADAKAL KASHI VISHWANATHA TEMPLE

PATTADAKAL TEMPLE RUINS PRESERVED BY DEPT OF ARCHEOLOGY

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST, RIDING ON A BEAM OF LIGHT. PATTADAKKAL

PATHWAY TO HISTORY : OVER 1300 YEARS OLD TEMPLES AT PATTADAKAL, KARNATAKA.

AIHOLE : TEMPLES PRESERVED BY DEPT OF ARCHEOLOGY

INSIDE RAVANA PHADI (RAVALPHADI) CAVE TEMPLE, AIHOLE

RAVANA PHADI (RAVALPHADI) CAVE TEMPLE, AIHOLE

PATTADAKAL. AN EXQUISITE CARVING OF NANDI THE BULL. PARTLY DAMAGED. LOOK AT THE FINE DETAILS OF THE ROPE !!

MAHAKUTESVARA TEMPLE AND THE VISHNU PUSHKARNI POND. PILGRIMS TAKING HOLY DIP.

Mahakuta, located 14 kilometers from Badami, is a village with a temple complex that includes several temples, the most significant being the Mahakutesvara temple and the Mallikarjuna temple. The Vishnu Pushkarni pond, filled by a natural spring, holds great importance for pilgrims visiting the complex, who believe it is auspicious to take a holy dip in its waters. Additionally, a small shrine in the middle of the tank houses a special Shiva Linga known as the Panchamukha linga or five-faced linga.

TEMPLES AT MAHAKUTA NEAR BADAMI, KARNATAKA

ARDHANARISWARA STATUE AT MAHAKUTA NEAR BADAMI, KARNATAKA

ANCIENT CARVINGS FOUND AT MAHAKUTA TEMPLE COMPLEX, BADAMI

5 FACED SHIVA LINGA (PANCHAMUKHA LINGA) IN THE VISHNU PUSHKARNI TANK. MAHAKUTA, BADAMI

5 FACED SHIVA LINGA (PANCHAMUKHA LINGA) IN THE VISHNU PUSHKARNI TANK . MAHAKUTA, BADAMI

PICTURESQUE GREENERY AROUND BADAMI : MARIGOLD PLANTATIONS

PICTURESQUE GREENERY AROUND BADAMI : SUNFLOWER GARDENS

FLORA & FAUNA AROUND BADAMI VILLAGE

LIFE IN THIS LITTLE VILLAGE : BADAMI , KARNATAKA

AN EVENING AT THE GOSSIP CORNER : BADAMI , KARNATAKA

PAINTER & HER SUPERVISOR . BADAMI VILLAGE, KARNATAKA

HOMEMAKERS AT BADAMI TOWN, BUSY WASHING THEIR CLOTHES BEFORE SUNSET

A PEACEFUL VILLAGE : BADAMI , KARNATAKA

A LEISURELY EVENING AT THE BADAMI MARKET, KARNATAKA

Best time to visit :

• The temperature could shoot upto 45°C during summer . The best time to visit Badami would be October to February .

How to reach :

By Road :

• Bangalore – Tumakuru – Chitradurga – Hosapete – Kushtagi – Badami  : 454 Km.
• Bangalore – Bellary – Hosapete – Kushtagi – Badami  : 513 Km.
• Pune – Satara – Kolhapur – Badami  : 460 Km.
• Pune – Solapur – Vijayapura – Bangalkote – Badami  : 471 Km.
• Hyderabad – MahbubNagar – Raichur – Badami  : 424 Km.
• Hampi – Hosapete – Kushtagi – Badami  : 150 Km.
• Badami – Pattadakal : 20 Km.
• Badami –  Aihole : 34 Km.
• Badami – Mahakuta : 14 Km.

By Air :

• Nearest airports are Hubli (106 km) and Belgaum (150 km)

By Rail :

• Badami Railway Station has good connectivity with Bangalore, Hubli, Bijapur, Gadag, Solapur and other cities.