Badami
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Badami (Kannada: ಬದಾಮಿ), formerly known as Vatapi, is a town in the Bagalkot District of Karnataka state. It was the regal capital of the early Chalukyas. Founded by Pulakesi I, an early ruler of the Chalukyas, the town of Badami is located at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya tirtha water reservoir on three sides.
Known for its rock-cut Badami Cave temples which were sculpted between the 6th and 8th centuries, this ancient city was once the capital of the Chalukya dynasty. The Bhutanatha temple, a small shrine, facing the 5th century lake stands in serenity on one side. On the side of North Fort are the Upper and Lower Shivalayas, and the Malegitti Shivalaya, possibly with early and late 7th century origins.
More classic in origin and style are four caves from the late 6th century on the side of the South Fort. These caves display the secular nature of the rulers then, with tolerance and a religious following that inclines towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Caves 2 and 3 are dedicated to Vishnu, whereas cave 1 is devoted to Shiva, and cave 4 displays reliefs of Jain Tirthankaras. A Buddhist cave in a natural setting is not too far from these caves. Deep caverns with carved images of the various incarnations of Hindu gods are strewn across the area, under boulders and in the red sandstone. From an architectural and archaeological perspective, they provide critical evidence of the early styles and stages of the southern Indian architecture.
Overlooking the South Fort there is also the dome of an Islamic place of worship - a Dargah or a Mosque. From top of the North Fort are expansive views of the ancient town below. Badami is accessible from Bangalore by bus, a 12-hour ride, or from Hospet - a combination of an overnight train journey from Bangalore to Hospet followed by a short bus ride from Hospet to Badami.
Close to Badami town is the Famous Banashankari Temple.
[edit] See also
Badami Chalukya Architecture
Pattadakal
Aihole
