Around Badami Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Badami

• Aivalli (Aihole)
• Temple of Durga
• Banashankari Temple
• Pattadkal

Aivalli (Aihole) (43 kms.)

Aivalli,   the   'Cradle   of  Indian   Temple Architecture' on the banks of river Malprabha, was the capital of Chalukyas between the 4^th and   7th   centuries.   The   Chalukyas experimented here with the idea of building temples and one can see temple architecture from its  nascent  stage  to  more  complex edifices. There are over 140 exquisitely carved temples, most of them are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Temple of Durga : This 7th century shrine is the largest and finest monument of Aivalli. s semi-circular apse surrounded by an open colonnade and remains of curvilinear Slkhara are quite unique. The main figures at the shrine are - Chamunda Devi trampling e buffalo demon, Narasimha and aspects of Lord Shiva. There is a small museum ehind the Durga temple, exhibiting works of Chalukyan sculptors.

Banashankari Temple (5 kms.)

It is one of the most ancient temples of Karnataka. HarishchandraTeertha, a large sacred P°nd in front of the shrine is a fine example of Chalukyan temple architecture.

Pattadkal (20kms.)

attadkal, the second capital of Badami Chalukyas, set on the banks of river Malaprabha is yet another grand show case of Chalukya style of architecture. The   cluster   of magnificent temples at the foothills    has been listed by UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Site'. Most of the shrines date back to 7^th and 8th centuries, but the earliest temples were built here during 3rd and 4th centuries. These temples represent the evolution of South Indian style of temple architecture. There are 10 main temples and the largest among them is the Virupaksheshvara temple. It has a huge gateway with intricate inscriptions depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharta. In front of the temple is a 2.6 metres high sculpture of Nandi.