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Location:
Badami caves is located In the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is a
famous jain pilgrimage Site famous for its 6th and 7th century rock cut caves
houses sculptures of several Hindu deities and Jain cave. Badami was once
a capital of the Chalukyas is renown throughout for its exquisite rock cut cave temples.
The cave temples of badami are an excellent example of ancient Indian
architecture. Badami was founded by Pulakeshi I (535 - 566
AD). Previously it was known as Vatapi.
In Badami group of four cave temples have been scooped out of the hill just opposite
Badami fort. It is said that these cave temple was constructed with
the help of Chalukyan king, Mangalesa (598-610 AD). Out of the four caves,
three are dedicated to the Hindu deities, while the fourth is associated
with Jainism. To reach the caves one has to climb nearly 2000 steps.
Badami is known for its cave structures, beautiful sculptural panels and
picturesque setting. These caves are carved out of sandstone rocks and
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and the Jain Thirthankaras. They date
back to the sixth century A.D and are some of the best examples of the
early cave temples in South India. The coexistence of Jain caves along
with other religious structures indicates their religious tolerance. Apart
from the caves there are also structural temples like the Upper Shivalya
Temple, Lower Shivalya temple Malegetti Shivalya, Jambulingeswara and
Bhuthanatha temples. The temples in Badami combine both the north and
south Indian features. Among the temples, Bhuthanatha group of temples
have a grand setting and command a good view of the lake in front. These
were built during the beginning of the eighth century.
Cave I The cave
number one is dedicated to Shiva. The many-armed dancing Shiva panel
is popular amongst the visitors and is located
near this Cave.
Cave II - This cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Cave III is the largest and the best of the lot. This cave has carvings
depicting to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes.
Cave IV The fourth cave has relief sculptures of
Tirthankaras like Gomateshvara and Parshvanath. The fish and lotus
motifs in the ceiling, the yalis as brackets and ornate columns found
in the caves are examples of great craftsmanship. is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras. There is an image of
Mahavira adorning the sanctum. Other carvings here are of Padmavathi
and other Tirthankaras. |
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Badami
Caves
IV
Badami Caves IV |
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