Badami cave temples

The Badami cave temples are a group of four rock-cut sanctuaries in Badami, Karnataka, carved into sandstone cliffs and erected by the Early Chalukya dynasty between the 6th and 8th centuries. The complex is a major example of early medieval Indian rock-cut architecture.

The site contains four principal caves with large carved pillars, relief panels and deities representing Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jain traditions, plus a cliff-top fort and a man-made lake named Agastya or Antoniya. The caves are cut into a sandstone cliff face and are approached by steps and pathways that give close access to the sculptures.

Patronized by the Early Chalukya rulers, the caves were created as monastic shrines and royal-sponsored temples during the 6th to 8th centuries. Over time the complex remained an active religious site and later became an important archaeological and tourist monument.

The temples sit at the edge of the town of Badami in Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka, India, set against a red sandstone outcrop above the small Agastya lake.

• Main temples: The complex comprises four main rock-cut cave temples carved into red sandstone and dates to the Early Chalukya period from the 6th to 8th centuries.
• Photography tip: Best light for photographing the reliefs is usually mid to late morning when sun angles illuminate the western-facing cliff faces.

What to See #

• Cave 1: Cave 1 - Largely dedicated to Shiva-related sculpture and large relief panels carved into sandstone, forming the best-known entrance cave.
• Cave 2: Cave 2 - Features extensive Vishnu reliefs, most notably a large reclining Vishnu panel and other Vaishnava iconography.
• Cave 3: Cave 3 - Contains figures and reliefs of Vishnu and battle scenes, with a higher, narrower interior plan than the first two caves.
• Cave 4: Cave 4 - Smaller than the others and dedicated to Jain Tirthankara images, displaying simpler carved panels and figures.