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 ! The largest and most ornamental is the third 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.
