Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu
Located on the red sandstone hills of Badami in Karnataka, India, the cluster of four rock-cut cave temples are an impressive work of religious art and a showcase of Chalukya temple architecture.
This page describes Cave -2, the second cave from the entrance. Check the following pages for a detailed explanation of the other three caves:
| Cave | Dedication | Reliefs |
|---|---|---|
| Cave – 1 | Shiva | Nataraja, Dwarapala, Ardhanarishvara, Harihara |
| Cave – 3 | Maha Vishnu | Maha Vishnu, Ashtabhuja Vishnu, Varahavatara Vamanavatara, Narasimhavatara |
| Cave – 4 | Mahavira (Jain Temple) | Mahavira, Adinatha, Parshvanatha Bahubali, Mahavira with Jakkave |
Cave -2: Vishnu Temple
Cave – 2 is at a higher elevation than Cave – 1, and the approach to Cave – 2 is through a flight of steps situated on the left side of the Cave – 1 entrance. As you can see from the image, the access to the temple is through a staircase from the courtyard.
No inscriptions exist regarding the date of excavation or completion of this cave. The cave temple was likely completed in the late 6th century or early 7th century.
Cave-2 is comparable in size and similar in design to Cave – 1, but unlike Cave – 1, it is dedicated to Vishnu. Just like Cave – 1, it has a
Varahavatara
The image shows a sculptural relief depicting the story of Varahavatara, the third of the ten avatars of Vishnu, carved on the left sidewall of the
As you can see from the image, Vishnu as Varaha is lifting Bhudevi while Hiranyaksha lay dying on the ground killed by Vishnu.
The story of Varahavatara is a popular theme in both the Chalukya and Hoysala temples. Cave – 3 of this cave complex also has the Varahavatara relief carved on its wall.
A beautiful sculpture depicting Varahavatara is installed in one of the devakoshtas of the Durga Temple located in Aihole about 22 miles from Badami. Also built by the Badami Chalukyas, it is a free-standing temple carved with many sculptures and reliefs similar to those in the Badami cave temples.
Vamanavatara
The image shows the sculptural relief depicting the story of Vamanavatara, the fourth of the ten avatars of Vishnu, carved into the right side wall of the
Vishnu takes two forms in this avatar:
- Dwarf brahmin holding a wooden umbrella
- Gigantic Trivikrama taking a giant stride. In this avatar, Vishnu curbs the powers of the asura king Mahabali and relegates him to Patala (Netherworld).
Mahabali is seen clinging to Trivikrama’s leg as he takes a giant stride. Vamana, who is holding a wooden umbrella, is seen standing under Trivikrama’s extended leg at the site where Mahabali is performing
Note: Yagna is a Hindu religious ceremony performed by the priests (brahmins) in front of a ritual fire. It includes the ritual in which sacrificial materials are poured into the fire as priests chant hymns from the sacred texts.
Cave – 3 of this cave complex also has a large-size Vamanavatara relief carved into its walls.
Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel)
This eye-catching relief, known as Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel), is carved into the ceiling of the
Flanking the Matsya Chakra relief on the left and right sides are the reliefs consisting of swastika patterns.
A similar relief is found on the ceiling of the mukhamantapa of the Durga Temple at Aihole.
Maze of Swastika Patterns
The image shows a pattern consisting of swastikas carved on the ceiling of the
A similar pattern is also found in one of jālandharas (perforated stone windows) built into the wall surrounding the sabhamantapa of the Durga Temple at Aihole.
Proceed to Cave – 3
Related Pages
– Badami, Cave – 1, Cave – 3, Cave – 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
– Hampi Virupaksha Temple Murals
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