Temples in Badami

The Cave Temples of Badami consist of four separate temples, each holding intricate carvings and depictions. These carvings depict Shiva and Vishnu in various avatars in the first 3 temples, representing the Brahmanical style. The fourth temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras.

Banashankari temple, also known as Banashankari Amma temple, is located at Cholachagudd near Badami, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is counted amongst the most famous shrines in Karnataka dedicated to the Hindu mythology. Several stories and beliefs revolve around the temple regarding its construction, history, and culture.

The two temples facing the Agastya lake, are known as the Bhuthanatha temples. Built of local sandstone, they are dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Bhuthanatha. The sandstone used to build these temples gives them a beautiful glittering tint in the afternoon sun.

A grand example of ancient Chalukya architecture, the Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple is an elegantly carved, rock-cut temple atop a rugged rocky outcrop in Badami. The temple was built in the 7th century, and is perhaps the earliest and best surviving example of the magnificence of the Dravida style in the early Chalukya architecture.

Situated on the outskirts of Badami in the tiny village of Mahakuta, the Mahakuta group of temples are an architectural delight, mirroring the unique rock-cut construction pattern of the Chalukyas seen across Badami. The collection of shrines here were built in the 7th century, devoted to Lord Shiva, of which the Mahakuteshwara temple is the largest.

Built in the 7th century by the ancient Chalukyan dynasty, the Lower Shivalaya temple is part of a series of temples situated across the northern hill of Badami. This intricately carved rock-cut structure perhaps the earliest and best-surviving example of the magnificence of the Dravida style in the early Chalukya architecture.

Situated on top of the northern hill of Badami, the Upper Shivalaya is a fine example of the rock-cut architectural style of the ancient Chalukyan empire. Built in the 7th century, this impressive structure gives one a magnificent panoramic view of the town of Badami and the beautiful Agastya lake. A large granary, double fortification walls, various architectural marvels and an underground chamber are also present across the area of the grand boulder.