Badami Cave Temples are a group of temples located at Badami in Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India. These ancient cave temples are an excellent example of Indian rock-cut architecture. The Chalukyas has to be given the entire credit for creating a new architectural style that is seen only in temple architecture or in sculptures of gods and goddess.
Architecture
Badami Cave Temples are composed of four caves, all of which are carved out of sandstone hills that have a shrine, a hall, an open verandah and pillars. The magnificent stone temples, dating back to 6th - 7th centuries, are an example of Badami Chalukya Architecture. Among the many structures found in these caves the manifestation of 18 armed Nataraja the dance form of Lord Shiva in 81 poses is a marvel created out of carved stone. The four cave temples relate to the secular nature of the rulers and their inclination towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
History
Badami was once the capital of Early Chalukyas and the place was also known as Vatapi and Vapati Badami. The kingdom of Chalukyas dates back to 600 and 700 AD. An inscription here tells us that Badami had 2000 mahajanas. Towards the medieval period, Badami was ruled by Adil Shahi ruler of Bijapur and Marathas. After taken over by the British, Badami became a part of Bombay Presidency.
How to Reach
Architecture
Badami Cave Temples are composed of four caves, all of which are carved out of sandstone hills that have a shrine, a hall, an open verandah and pillars. The magnificent stone temples, dating back to 6th - 7th centuries, are an example of Badami Chalukya Architecture. Among the many structures found in these caves the manifestation of 18 armed Nataraja the dance form of Lord Shiva in 81 poses is a marvel created out of carved stone. The four cave temples relate to the secular nature of the rulers and their inclination towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
History
Badami was once the capital of Early Chalukyas and the place was also known as Vatapi and Vapati Badami. The kingdom of Chalukyas dates back to 600 and 700 AD. An inscription here tells us that Badami had 2000 mahajanas. Towards the medieval period, Badami was ruled by Adil Shahi ruler of Bijapur and Marathas. After taken over by the British, Badami became a part of Bombay Presidency.
How to Reach
Badami Cave Temples are located 2 km from the town and is well connected with bus services. Belgaum airport, around 150 km, is the nearest for those planning to travel in air. Badami Town Railway Station connects the place through rail services.
Comments
Post a Comment