Cave 2 is one of the four rock-cut cave temples carved into the red sandstone hills near Badami in Karnataka, India. As the name suggests, it is the second cave from the main entrance where the visitors enter the cave complex. Check the following pages for a detailed explanation of the other three caves:
| Cave | Dedication | Reliefs |
|---|---|---|
| Cave 1 | Shiva | Nataraja, Dwarapala, Ardhanarishvara, Harihara |
| Cave 3 | Maha Vishnu | Maha Vishnu, Ashtabhuja Vishnu, Varahavatara Vamanavatara, Narasimhavatara |
| Cave 4 | Mahavira (Jain Temple) | Mahavira, Adinatha, Parshvanatha Bahubali, Mahavira with Jakkave |
Cave 2: A rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Vishnu
Cave 2 is at a higher elevation than Cave 1, and the approach to Cave 2 is through a flight of steps located on the left side of the Cave 1 courtyard. As seen in the image, visitors enter the temple by ascending a staircase from the courtyard below
No inscriptions have been found regarding the exact date of excavation or completion of this cave. The cave temple was likely completed in the late 6th century or early 7th century.
Cave 2 is comparable in size and similar in overall design to Cave 1. However, unlike Cave 1, which is dedicated to Shiva, Cave 2 is dedicated to Vishnu.. Like Cave 1, it has a
Varahavatara, the third avatar of Vishnu
The image shows a sculptural relief depicting the story of Varahavatara, the third of the ten avatars of Vishnu. This relief is carved into the left sidewall of the
In Sanskrit, Varaha means “wild boar.” In this avatar, Vishnu assumes the form of a wild boar to rescue Bhudevi (Mother Earth) from an evil demon named Hiranyaksha, who was tormenting her by submerging thr earth in cosmic waters. After a fierce battle, Varaha slays Hiranyaksha and lifts Bhudevi to safety.
As depicted in the image, Varaha is shown lifting Bhudevi, while the defeated Hiranyaksha lay dying on the ground after being slain by Vishnu.
The story of Varahavatara is a popular theme in both Chalukya and Hoysala temple art. Cave 3 of this cave complex also features the Varahavatara relief carved into its wall, reflecting the importance of this story in Chalukya rock-cut architecture.
A beautiful sculpture depicting Varahavatarais installed in one of the devakoshtas of the Durga Temple at Aihole, about 22 miles east of Badami. Also built by the Badami Chalukyas, it is a free-standing temple, richly adorned with sculptures and reliefs similar in style and iconography to those in the Badami cave temples.
Vamanavatara, the fourth avatar of Vishnu
The image shows the sculptural relief depicting the story of Vamanavatara, the fourth of the ten avatars of Vishnu, carved into the right side wall of the
Vishnu takes two forms in this avatar:
- Dwarf Brahmin – Vishnu assumes a small, humble figure holding a wooden umbrella, symbolizing his unassuming appearance when approaching the asura king.
- Gigantic Trivikrama – Vishnu assumes a gigantic form in which he takes a giant stride, measuring the three worlds in a single step.
In this avatar, Vishnu curbs the powers of the asura king Mahabali, ultimately relegating him to Patala (the Netherworld).
In the relief, Mahabali is seen clinging to Trivikrama’s leg as he takes a giant stride. Vamana, who is holding a wooden umbrella, is seen standing under Trivikrama’s extended leg at the spot where Mahabali is performing
Note: Yagna is a Hindu religious ceremony performed by the priests (brahmins) in front of a ritual fire. During the ritual, sacrificial materials—such as grains, ghee, or herbs—are offered into the fire while the priests chant hymns from sacred texts.
Cave 3 of this cave complex also has a large-size Vamanavatara relief carved into its walls.
Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel)
This eye-catching relief, known as Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel), is carved into the ceiling of the
Flanking the Matsya Chakra relief on the left and right sides are the reliefs consisting of swastika patterns.
A similar relief is found on the ceiling of the mukhamantapa of the Durga Temple at Aihole.
Maze of Swastika Patterns
The image shows a pattern consisting of swastikas carved into the ceiling of the
A similar pattern can also found in one of jālandharas (perforated stone windows) built into the wall surrounding the sabhamantapa of the Durga Temple at Aihole.
Proceed to Cave 3 …
Related Pages
Hoysala Temples
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple
— Bracket Figures, Navaranga, Garbhagriha Outer Wall
– Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple
Badami Chalukya Temples
– Badami, Cave 1, Cave 2, Cave 3, Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Vijayanagara Temples
– Hampi Virupaksha Temple Murals
Khmer Temples in Cambodia
– Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat Bas-Reliefs, Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon
Monuments in Indonesia
– Prambanan Temples, Prambanan Bas-Reliefs
– Borobudur
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