On your tour to Karnataka, Badami should hold a prime place in your tour plans since it is a rare sight to view the spectacular rock cut frescoes, carved statues, engraved ceilings and intricately carved and ornamented pillars. Known for its rich history and ancient architecture, Badami has number of richly carved monuments and caves dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. It has four cave temples. Cave Four of Cave Temples Badami is the third and the largest of the caves to be carved with elaborate bas-relief works.
Situated in the picturesque valley between two hills this ancient capital of the Chalukyas is famous for the four cave temples shaped out of sandstone rock from the hill. Dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva these temples in Badami are amazing pieces of Chalukyan art. Overlooking these temples is an artificial lake called the Bhutanath Lake named after the Bhutanath temples.
The caves are the examples of Deccan art in their highest form but also throw light on the religious tolerance of the rulers since the caves are artistic display of sculptures of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Cave one is devoted to Shiva, Caves two and three are dedicated to Vishnu, while cave Four exhibits reliefs of Jain Tirthankaras.
Cave Four of Cave Temples Badami is the only Jain cave. Cave four was started in 6th century but was completed only 100 years later after completing the first three caves. Lord Mahavira in sitting posture can be seen inside the sanctum. Bas-relief sculptures of other Thirthankaras can be seen. With a serpent at his feet, Tirthankara Parshavnatha is seen while sculptures of Padmavathi are also found.
