HISTORY

TEMPLES AT AI-HOLE,
BADAMI, PILGRIMAGE
CENTRE GHATS,
PALACES FOCUS
VARANASI
___

By AAYUSHI SHARMA
 2

DURGA TEMPLE

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is the most elaborately decorated monument in Aihole. It
owes its name due to its proximity to a fort or ‘Durg’ and not to Goddess Durga, which is a
common misconception. The temple dates back to Chalukyan times and the elements of
Dravida style in its architecture with exquisite carvings adorning the columns at the entrance
attract several art enthusiasts every year.

LADH KHAN TEMPLE

This edifice was built by the Chalukyas and is named after a Muslim prince who converted it into
his residence. This monument is evidence of the experimental nature of Chalukyan temple
architecture. The temple was built in the Panchayat hall style with two sanctums. The main
sanctum contains a Shiva Linga and a Nandi, whereas the second sanctum has intricate carvings
on the outer wall. Both devotees and art lovers flock to this temple throughout the year.

MEGUTI TEMPLE

This temple has the distinction of being the only dated monument in Aihole. It was built in 634
AD by Ravikeerti, Commander and Minister of Pulakesin II. Now partly in ruins, this temple is
one of the earliest examples of the Dravidian style of architecture. It has been renovated over
the years with a superstructure and a 16 column porch being added.

RAVANA PHADI CAVE

This rock temple dates back to the 6th century. It is provided with a vestibule with carved panels
on either side, and has a triple entrance. It is most noteworthy for its adornments dedicated to
Lord Shiva, with the Mahishasura Mardini, the great Dancing Shiva linga with Ganesha and
sapta-matrikas present in the sanctum drawing several thousand visitors every year.

HUCCHIMALLI TEMPLE
 3

Built in the 7th century, this is believed to be one of the earliest groups of temples in Aihole.
The architectural practice of constructing a vestibule in front of the sanctum was introduced for
the first time here. This temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

GOWDA TEMPLE

This temple was built in the 12th century and has architectural elements in common with the
Ladh Khan temple. It is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi. It has a high molded base and 16
pillars devoid of any carvings and adornments.

SURYANARAYANA TEMPLE

This temple dates back to the 7th century and has a four pillared inner sanctum with a
Rekhanagara tower over it. It is especially famous for a 2 feet tall statue of Surya along with
Usha and Sandhya, his consorts.
 4

KONTI GROUP OF
TEMPLES
Built in the 7th century, this consists of 4 separate temples, with few additions in subsequent
years. This group is famous for exquisite panels of Brahma, Shiva and a reclined Vishnu on the
ceiling, and draws a footfall of several thousand every year.

1. Bhutanatha Temple

Located on the eastern side of the Agastya Lake, Bhutanatha Temple was built in the early 8th
century by Chalukyas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is made of local sandstone and has a
Southern Indian style of architecture. Here, the inner hall showcases the style of the Eastern
Badami Chalukyas, and the outer corridor reflects the style of the western Kalyani Chalukyas.
The complex of the temple is an ideal blend of the south Indian and north Indian styles. With
its stone carved structures and sculptors, Bhutanatha Temple in Badami will leave you
spellbound for sure.

2. Cave Temples

Carved from a massive sandstone cliff in the north-central part of Karnataka, Cave

Temples are the perfect example of Indian rock-cut architecture. These caves reflect India’s rich
history of merging art with spirituality and religion. There are several caves speckled
throughout the area which make for mesmerising views. In fact, each cave temple in Badami has
a unique architectural design for their temples.

Cave 1

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the first cave temple reflects the style of Dravidian architecture at its
best. The highlight of this cave is a five-foot image of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, with 18 arms,
representing various mudras or dancing poses. Also, the cave has a magnificent carving of
Mahishasura Mardini and a unique artwork portraying Shiva in his Ardhnarishwar form.

Cave 2
 5

Located above the first cave, Cave 2 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, the images of Trivikrama
and Bhoovaraha beautify the east and west walls of the cave. The geometric design of the
sculptures showcases ancient Hindu architecture, and the numerous engravings on cave walls
represent diverse stages of Lord Vishnu’s life.

Cave 3

The third cave is situated 60 steps above the second cave and is known as the earliest Hindu
cave temple in history. The cave has numerous pillars, columns, brackets, and verandas, giving
it a regal design and outlook. The third cave is known for its appropriate representation of
religious stories about the Hindu deities, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha.

Cave 4

The Fourth cave is different from the other caves since it is related to symbols of Jainism.

The highlight of this fourth cave is the sculpture of Lord Mahavira, Indranbhuti Gautama,
Bahubali, and Parshvanath, carved in various meditative postures. The place around the cave
temples in Badami is blessed with stunning sights.

3. Banashankari Temple

Also called Banashankari Amma temple, Banashankari Temple is one of the most famous places
to visit in Badami. Devoted to Goddess Parvati, the famous Hindu Devi and the consort of Lord
Shiva, Banashankari Temple is located in Cholachagudda near Badami. Every year, thousands of
devotees come and offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess. However, most people
visit this temple and offer prayers to the goddess during Rahu Kalam which is seen as an
inauspicious time according to Hindu culture.

4. Mahakuta Temple

Built by the early kings of the Chalukya dynasty, Mahakuta Temple is a vital place of worship for
Hind devotees. Constructed to honour and worship Lord Shiva, the temple showcases intricate
Dravidian-style art. Also called the Mahakuteshwara temple in Badami, the temple is famous for
its two key inscriptions, explicitly – Pillar and Porch that describe the past of the Chalukya
Empire. Though the major attraction here is the Shivalinga on top of a curvilinear tower, several
other small temples are also visited by devotees. The walls of the Mahakuta Temple in Badami
are adorned with distinctive carvings of Lord Shiva, attracting visitors to its natural beauty and
beautiful carving.
 6

5. Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple

Built In the 7th century, the Malegitti Shivalaya depicts the time of Chalukyan art in Badami.
Initially, the Malegitti Shivalaya was devoted to Surya, with a small picture of the Sun God and
his seven horses on the top of the entrance to the sanctum. The Malegitti Shivalaya is now
dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a huge Shivling placed inside the sanctum. The Fort is situated
next to the Archeological Museum in Badami. The spectacular architecture, serene atmosphere,
and the breathtaking view of the lake and caves from the Fort invite a number of tourists to this
place every year. Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple is one of the most-visited temples in
Badami to immerse yourself in peace.

6. Mallikarjuna Temple

Situated on the north-east bank of Agastya Lake, Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the major
shrines in the Bhutanatha Group of Temples in Badami. Built in Phamsana design (pyramid-like
form), the temple attracts tourists with its unique architecture and design. The Mallikarjuna
Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, however, there are many small temples constructed on the
north and east sides of the main temple.

7. Sangameshwara Temple

Sangameshwara Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Badami.
Situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, the temple is a part of the Pattadakal group of
monuments which are managed by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Constructed in
Dravidian Style, the Sangameshwara Temple has a Shiva Linga inside the sanctum and statues
of Nataraja and Narasimha carved on the exterior wall.

8. Uma Maheshwari Temple

Another famous Hindu temple in Badami, the Uma Maheshwari Temple is a part of the Konthi
group temple. The temple has main Hindu deities, either presented as wall carvings or in the
form of linga. A picture of Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus flower is also brilliantly carved on the
wall of this temple. A visit to Uma Maheshwari Temple can help a person achieve peace of mind
as the serene ambience of the temple relaxes you.

9. Galaganatha Temple
 7

Built in Dravidian and Nagara styles, the Galaganatha Temple in Badami is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temple was constructed during the western Chalukyas dynasty and is revered as one
of the most stunning Hindu shrines in the state, which is dedicated to Mahadev. As soon as you
step inside this temple, you can’t help but fall in love with the beauty of this temple.

VARANASI
The oldest city of the world', 'the religious capital of India', 'the city of lights', 'Kashi', 'Benaras',
call it by any name but you would be connecting to One- Gangadhar (Keeper of Ganga, name
used for Lord Shiva) as Vishwanath (Lord of the World) in Varanasi. The city is the paramount
worship place for Hindus among all the other holy cities where they can plan their tour to carve
a way to salvation starting with the darshan of Vishwanath Temple.

State of Uttar Pradesh is proud of its heritage, and Varanasi is part of this legacy with its unique
culture and devotion to Lord Shiva who is believed to be its founder. The name of the city finds
its connection with the Rivers Varuna and Assi joining to form Varanasi. Many of the great
scriptures, epics and works of art and music are credited to this place. Death is of special
significance to the city of Lord Shiva, because here He is believed to have mandated cremation
rites at all hours of a day, unlike anywhere else.

This phenomenon might be unusual, though highlights death being only an indication of a new
beginning. Spirit of Kashi is all about such philosophies and beliefs; Kashi which is more
popularly known as Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Also known as the Golden temple, it is among the 12 Jyotirlingas
where Lord Shiva manifested himself for the convenience of the devotees. The site of the temple
is said to be old but the temple which pilgrims visit was constructed in the 18th century under
the supervision and contribution of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. New Vishwanath Temple can be seen
in the premises of Banaras Hindu University. The enthusiasm of pilgrims during the festival of
Mahashivaratri is spell binding and thus not to be missed.

Ganga Ghats: Assi Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat,
Dashaswamedh Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Kedar Ghat, man Mandir, Panchganga Ghat, Rana Ghat,
 8

are some of the main Ghats on the River Ganges where people bath, and two of them
(Harishchandra and Manikarnika Ghats) are those where Hindu dead bodies are cremated. Each
one of them has a story behind its construction and is unique in some respect, like Ganga Aarti
at Assi Ghat is a daily ritual organized in a grand manner which brings locals as well as
tourists-pilgrims in huge numbers; Alamgir mosque by

Aurangzeb is present at Panch Ganga Ghat.

A pilgrim to Varanasi has the option of enjoying boating as well as walking to get immersed in
their beauty and antiquity.

Durga Temple: A holy person Narayana Dixit got the Durga Ghat constructed in 1772. Near the
Ghat is a temple presided by Ashtabhujadhari (eight handed) deity and slaughterer of evil in the
form of demons. The temple as conceived by a Bengali Queen came into existence in the 18th
century.

Gyan Vapi Kup: Pilgrimage without a dose of enlightenment is not at all worth, which is why
this place can open another door to enjoy Varanasi pilgrimage tourism. Meaning

‘Well of wisdom’, the Gyan Vapi Kup was constructed in 1828 AD by Rani of Gwalior

Baizabai.

Ramgarh Fort: This residence of the Kings of Kashi was built in the 17th century. Like many
other prominent places of Varanasi, it is also located at the bank of the river. The museum
inside the fort can be another curious aspect of the place. The fort in itself is highly revered by
the locals and Shiva devotees, as they believe the kings to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Sarnath: Gautama Buddha who is believed to be the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu is known to
have given his first sermon here making the place, some 20 Km away from Varanasi, highly
revered. So people with varied religious curiosity and interest can spend a great time here
quenching their thirst for knowledge.