THE FIRST CAVE - Badami

Constructed in the 6th century, this cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Of particular interest here is the image of Shiva with 18 arms. Shiva is depicted here in his destroyer form with all his paraphernalia like damru (a musical instrument associated with Lord Shiva, a dumbbell), the cobra, and a trishul (trident). The first cave is a Shiva Temple of the 6th century AD. Other important figures to be found here are of Ardhnarishwara (a concept in the Hindu mythology where at times Lord Shiva and Mother Goddess Parvati are personified as one), Harihara (another important concept in Hindu mythology where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are personified as one), and Nandi (the bull).

THE SECOND CAVE - Badami

This cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the protector in Hindu mythology). King Kirtivarman I, who ascended the throne in AD 567, ordered the carving of this temple before AD 578. Vishnu has been depicted as two of his 10 incarnations, the dwarf (Vaman) and the boar (Varaha). Apart from these two interesting images of Vishnu, there are images of pot-bellied dwarfs, swastikas, Gandharva couples, Trivikrama (one of the incarnations of Vishnu), and Lord Vishnu riding a Garuda.

THE THIRD CAVE - Badami

This is the most impressive of all the cave temples in Badami. The temple has 61 steps. It was built by Mangalesh, who is considered the father of Chalukyan School of art. The artisans who worked on the varied designs of the pillars took great artistic freedom. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, there are images of Lord Shiva, Indra, and Lord Brahma on the ceiling. Lord Vishnu has been depicted in different aspects like sitting on a coil of snakes and in his Boar (Varaha) incarnation.

THE FOURTH CAVE - Badami

The date of creation of the fourth cave is hotly debated and no one is certain when it was carved. However, most of the art historians are unanimous that this is the most recent of all the rock-cut temples in Badami. This is the only cave related to the Jains, a religion the Chalukyans gave royal patronage. The temple has images of different Jain tirthankaras like Adinath (the first Jain tirthankara), Suparshavanath (the seventh tirthankara), and about 20 other tirthankaras. As in most other Jain cave temples, there are two images of dwarapalas (gate keepers) at the entrance.

THE FIFTH CAVE - Badami

The only natural cave out of all the rock-cut caves in Badami, it is dedicated to Lord Buddha. However, it has to be remembered that architectural expression of most of the caves are almost equal; none of them is distinctly Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain though they may have been dedicated to different sects.

AGASTYATIRTHA TANK - Badami

Agastyatirtha Tank is situated near the rock-cut cave temples of Badami. You can have a glimpse of this tank from the cliffs near the caves. It is a sacred tank and, according to the local beliefs, its water can cure illnesses.

BHOOTNATH TEMPLE - Badami

Bhootnath is a distinct form of Lord Shiva considered as the God of souls, spirits, and ghosts. The dark sanctuary of the temple has an image of Shiva in an irate mood. The temple is situated not far away from the Agastyatirtha Tank.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - Badami

One of the most important of this museum\’s possession is a model of the natural bridge of Sidilinapadi, which is located some 5 km from Badami. Another interesting exhibit is the images of Lajja-Gauri—a fertility cult that was widely practised in this region during Chalukyan times. The museum is also situated near the Agastyatirtha Tank.

JAMBULINGA TEMPLE - Badami

Hidden by the tall buildings in the centre of Badami, the Jambulinga Temple was constructed in AD 699, according to the inscription here. The temple has three chapels that are dedicated to Lord, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva).

BADAMI FORT - Badami

The fort of Badami was once the pride of the Chalukyan Empire, but today it is mostly in ruins. The fort is the best place to have a bird\’s eye view of Badami. From here, you can see the ruins of a treasury, a watchtower, and large granaries. The fort also houses the Shivalaya (the temple of Shiva), now mostly in ruins. The temple has many friezes and sculptures depicting the legends of Krishna.

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