Atulya Bharat Badami cave temple Karnataka
water flowing from the ravine in Badami is gathered in an ancient artificial lake – Agastya tirtha reservoir. High above the water there are towering cliffs of comparatively soft sandstone. Royal shrines were made in these cliffs with grand view opening over the former capital city.
The four cave temples of Badami were built by the son of Pulakesi I – Kirthivarman (ruled in 567 – 598 AD) and his brother Mangalesha I (ruled in 598 – 610 AD). One cave is devoted to Shiva, two – to Vishnu. Fourth cave is Jain temple. Thus Chalukyas, just like several other successful dynasties of Ancient India, demonstrated religious tolerance.
Although in many respects these structures repeat the architecture of similar Indian cave temples created before, there is noticeable also a development of distinct style in architecture and art – Chalukyan style. Art of Badami shows influence both of South Indian styles (Dravidian style) and northern influences (Indo-Aryan Nagara style).
Badami Cave3, inscription telling about granting of land by Mangalesa
BADAMI CAVE 3, KANNADA INSCRIPTION TELLING ABOUT GRANTING THE LAND BY KING MANGALESA
Badami Cave Temples have simple exterior but their interiors have very ornate finishing. Entrance leads through a pillared verandah – mukha mandapa, pillars have square form in section. Three caves are adorned with a lavish frieze below the columns. The main hall of each temple – maha mandapa – is standing on massive columns. Furthest part of the temple behind the main hall is the shrine – cella or garbhagrha. Most likely caves were covered with exciting murals – only traces of this former beauty remain.
Important feature of Badami Caves and their surroundings is ancient inscriptions in Kannada writing and in Kannada and Sanskrit languages. In total in Badami there have been found 18 cliff inscriptions. The oldest is from 543 AD.
One of the most important inscriptions is made in 700 AD at the northeast end of reservoir. It consists of ten lines in Kannada writing, both in Kannada and Sanskrit languages. This inscription is not completely clearly translated but it is clear that it goes about Kappe Arahatta, local saint and heroe. Under the inscription there is nice carving of ten leaved lotus in circle.
There exists also the fifth cave in Badami – natural cave used as a Buddhist temple. It can be entered only on all fours. Area contains also many other temples.
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