"Live and allow others to live; hurt no one; life is dear to all living beings"-Mahavira
Most people don't make it to the cave four of Badami. For first it is the smallest cave compared to the other three. And secondly it lacks in grandiosity part as well in comparison with others. When we reached there it was almost mid-morning. Outside the day was scorching, however, it was totally cold in and around the caves. Agasthya lake lay as flat as any mirror without any ripples but for gleaming silver in the bright light of sun. Presence of Bhootnath Temple added beautiful vista to the entire surroundings.
Info: Badami Chalukyas practiced religious tolerance. Hence, Jain, Buddha, Shaiva, and Vaishnava scholars visited and inhabited at Badami. It is said they opted cave temples as residence because of its location instead of palaces or big stately mansions. Amidst nature it was a perfect place to perform their holy services.
It is built in the 7th century almost a century after the completion of other three caves. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains. Here, there is a stature of Mahavira in a sitting posture. The pillars and temple design are similar to other cave temples. On the right wall of the cave there is an sculpture of Parshvanath, 7th Jain Tirthankara surrounded by all the other 24 Tirthankaras. One can see numerous carvings of Yakshas, Tirthankaras on the walls, satirically to say a bunch of naked men.
The rich architecture is testament to the proficiency and machinery skill of the artisans of that period. The commendable rock cut architecture is considered to be the infant models to the other temples built across the country at a later period of time.
We asked our guide to take leave because we knew we were going to spend some time in these rocky hills. The breeze was cool and crisp. Crowd was thronging in and out in no time, taking selfies, giggling. In places like these time slows often giving us time to dwell in the present.
Tips
Entry Fee: (To all 4 Cave Temples-Cave Temple 1, Cave Temple 2, Cave Temple 3)
Indian National: 15/-
Foreign Nationals: 200/-
Vehicle Parking: 50/-
Beware of monkeys. They snatch food items, bottles, or anything that looks appealing. Don't forget to close vehicles' windows.
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