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Travel Guide
The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi),
is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a Ravine between two rocky hills.
Rock-cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculptures that seem
to come alive under your eyes… Badami has to be seen to be believed.
Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves all hewn out of sand stone
on the precipice of a hill.
There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith
and the fourth cave is the only Jain temple in Badami.
Enter the first cave temple past Shiva's door keepers and there he is ! The
eighteen armed Nataraja stricking 81 dance poses !
cave
temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon.
Narasimha the half-man half Lion avatar of Vishnu Hari Hara, the composite
god who is half-Shiva and half-Vishnu. Vishnu Narayana sitting as well as
reclining on the snake Shesh or Ananta (Eternity )… There are also some
painting on the ceiling and wonderful bracket figures on the piers. Take a dip in this green tranquil lake. It is said to have healing properties. According to a popular story, King Kushataraya was cured of leprosy here.
ranging from the sixth to the sixteenth century. After you have exclaimed
over the beautiful sculptures and admired the exquisite carvings, stop by
at the museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India.