Marvels of our glorious ancient past had been scattered all around India. Some of them are in ruins and some stood the test of time , attacks and still standing chin up protecting the lost knowledge of science, religion and literature.
About Badami :
In between 540 AD and 757 AD the Chalukyas dysentery had there capital in Vatapi i.e. today's Badami. Located in Northen Karnataka , 458kms, approx. 9 hrs away from Banaglore. This city very popular for it's cave temples and carvings. These temples are cut out of sandstone rock hill which surrounds the Agastya Lake.
The Drive:
We have started our journey from Bangalore and drove around almost 11 hrs and what a ride it was! Started around 6am following the Map via Chitradurga, Tungabhadra Dam towards Badami.
One of the most scenic drive I have ever endured has to be this one, as we have crossed wind mills ,
horizon wide sunflower fields ,
Tungabhadra water dam which looks like a mini sea as you can hardly see the other side of this dam.
Then crossing Hampi on the right side and driving in a lesser traveled road which comes with it's own share of adventure like bumpy roads (in which your car can fly for sometime hence Drive little slow!) and google maps playing pranks on you. But trust me every ounce of this journey is full filling when you get to see the unusual rocky hills and the beautiful sunset near the temple complex.
The Submerged Shiva Temple: Bhutanatha Temple
In the Agastya lake lies the Bhutanatha Temple complex. As the lake water rises the temple submerges inside only to come out later on. That's the magic quotient of this place. Build in sandstone and beautiful carvings , inside the main temple Lord Shiva still resides. The net like carvings on the wall is the only source of light inside the temple. The smell of water, earth & little light coming inside along with thick stone walls creates a mystical atmosphere which gives goosebumps as you chant "OM Namha Shivay". As you walk in the temple complex many more cravings telling ancient stories will come alive. Archaeological Survey of India is still digging the place and discovering new caves around it. Some of them can be seen from the lake shore.
Walk along the shore of the lake and reach to the gates to Badami Cave temples & fort on the other side.
Three among the four cave temples are dedicated to deities of Hinduism and one temple is dedicated to Jainism. A flight of stairs within connects these cave temples to each other. The first temple is dedicated to Nataraja, the second and third cave temples to Lord Vishnu and the fourth temple to Lord Mahavira the founder of Jainism.
Accommodation
We stayed in Hotel Badami Court which was near to the temple complex yet out of the bazzar. There are other stays available there as well.