Page 542 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

540  SOUTHWESTERN INDIA

a Badami

Dramatically situated within a horseshoe of red sandstone
cliffs, overlooking the green waters of a large lake,
this historic town was the capital of the powerful early
Chalukya kings, who ruled the Deccan during the 6th–7th
centuries AD. These rulers also held sway at Pattadakal
(see pp542–3) and Aihole (see pp544–5). Among the rock-
cut and structural monuments, the most richly decorated
are the cave temples, which are carved into the cliff on
the southern side. Of these, Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva,
Caves 2 and 3 to Vishnu, and Cave 4 to the Jain saints.
Columned verandah,
Cave 3
A linga sanctuary
is carved into the
rear wall.

CAVE 1
A flight of steps in this cave leads up to
a pillared verandah, behind which is a
square, columned hall with a small
sanctuary carved into the rear wall. The
highlights here are the Nataraja panel
and the carved panels on the ceiling.
Cave 2
This Vaishnava cave
has a superb frieze
of Varaha, the boar
incar nation of
Vishnu, on one end
of the porch. The
ceiling is adorned
with images of Cave 3
celestial couples, The verandah of this large and beautiful cave has
the lotus motif an enormous four-armed figure of Vishnu seated
encircled by fish on Adisesha, the serpent whose five hoods spread
and symbols of protectively over his crown. At his feet is the bird
the swastika (sacred Garuda, his mount. This is the only cave with an
symbol for Hindus). inscription, dated AD 578.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp701–702 and pp716–17

540-541_EW_India.indd 540 26/04/17 11:48 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm