Ancient Bhutanatha temple of Badami next to Agasthya lake(Agasthya tirtha)

Karnataka

Bhutanatha Temple

Bhutanatha group of temples, Badami, Karnataka
Ancient Bhutanatha temple of Badami next to Agasthya lake(Agasthya tirtha)
Bhutanatha group of temples, Badami, Karnataka
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Major Airports :

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Hubballi Airport (HBX), Hubballi

Nearest Railway Station :

Badami Railway Station (BDM)

Major Airports :

Kalaburagi Airport (GBI), Kalaburagi

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Hubballi Airport (HBX), Hubballi

Where Lord Shiva vanquished a demon

On the banks of the Agastya Lake stands one of Badami’s oldest and most cherished religious landmarks. The revered Bhutanatha Temple, part of the Bhootanatha group of temples, a beautiful cluster from the Chalukya dynasty. Dating back to the 7th century, that is dedicated to Shiva as the Lord of souls, spirits, and ghosts. The temple complex gets its name from "Bhootha," a demon who is believed was vanquished here by Lord Shiva. It is said that the demon’s spirit made its home in the underground chambers, and its anguished cries echoed through time.

This temple complex consists of two main temples and several smaller ones. The first one is referred to as the main Bhutanatha Temple, while the other larger temple is called the Malikarjuna Temple. The most distinct features of these temples are the doorframes, lattice window designs and floral carvings; each shrine decorated with intricate carvings of deities and dancing figures.

A fascinating fact is that locals believe that the Agastya Lake, beside the temple, possesses healing powers!

A closer look at the shrines

The main section of the Bhutanatha temple was constructed by the Badami Chalukyas dynasty in the 7th Century, while the outer mandapa (temple hall) was built later by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th Century. At the same time, the Kalyani Chalukyas also built another temple, called Malikarjuna Temple.

The main Bhutanatha Temple is a beautiful blend of the South Indian Dravidian and North Indian Nagara styles of architecture. The roof of the main temple is in the North Indian style, while the rest of the temple is in the Deccan style. Inside the temple, you'll find a Shiva Linga and a Nandi facing it. There are carvings of Ganga and Yamuna along the door frame of the inner shrine. Ganga is depicted as a goddess riding on a crocodile or Makar, while Yamuna is depicted on a tortoise. Look up at the ceiling, and you'll see a lotus carving. This part of the temple and its open courtyard is older than the rest of the shrines around it, built at the same time as the Mallikarjuna temple.


holly religious lake with ancient temple and mountain background at morning image is showing the beauty of Bhutanatha Temple on the shores of Agastya Tirtha at Badami karnataka india.
Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

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Amazing discoveries around

If you venture behind the temple complex, you will find an enormous boulder with multiple sculptures carved into it. As you continue to explore, you will come upon a concealed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A brief walk beyond the temple will bring you to the Badami Cave Temples, a remarkable example of ancient rock-cut architecture in India.

There are also other beautiful attractions to see in Badami, such as the Banashankari Temple in Cholachagudd; the Badami Fort, which was once the home of the Chalukyan rulers, and Pattadakal that is located just 22 km from Badami for those interested in studying and exploring Western Chalukya architecture, with its unique motifs, shapes, and forms that distinguish it.

Visit the Bhutanatha Temples to honour Lord Shiva's divine presence, to see Chalukya craftsmanship and receive spiritual healing.

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