Badami Information
Badami also has eighteen inscriptions 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. 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. The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami (also
known as Vatapi), is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a Ravine
between two rocky hills.
Set in beautiful countryside at the foot of a red sandstone ridge, the
small rural town of Badami was once the capital of the Chalukyan. Empire
covered much of the central Deccan between the 4th centuries AD. Here
and at nearby Aihole and Pattadakal, you can see some of the earliest
and rock- cut caves. The forms and sculptural work at there sites
provided inspiration for the later Hindu empires which rose and fell in
the arrival of the Muslims.
Getting There:
By Air: The nearest airport is Belgaum (150 km).
By Rail: Badami is on the Hubli-Sholapur rail route.
By Road: Badami is connected by road with Hubli (128
km), Bijapur (163 km) and Bangalore (550 km).
Tourist Attractions:
Archaeological Museum
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-Gauria
fertility cult that was widely practised in this region during Chalukyan
times. The museum is also situated near the Agastyatirtha Tank.
Cave Temple
Badami town is best known for its beautiful cave temple, cut into the
cliff face of a red sandstone hill. They display the full range of
religious sects which have developed in India. Two of them are dedicated
to Vishnu, one to Shiva and the fourth is a Jain temple. There's also
one natural cave which is a Buddhist temple.
Jambulinga Temple
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).
Bhootnath Temple
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.
Badami Fort
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.
