Cave 2 is one of the four rock-cut cave temples carved out of a red sandstone hill near Badami in Karnataka, India. As its name suggests, it is the second cave encountered from the main entrance of the cave complex.
For detailed descriptions of the other three caves, refer to the following pages:
| 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 |
Unlike Cave 1, which is dedicated to Shiva, Cave 2 is primarily dedicated to Vishnu. It contains sculptural reliefs depicting his avatars and stories taken from episodes from ancient Indian texts such as the Puranas.
Comparable in size and similar in overall design to Cave 1, Cave 2 displays the distinctive artistic style of the Early Chalukyas, with ornate pillars, intricately carved ceilings, and walls adorned with narrative reliefs.
No inscriptions have been found that record the exact date of the excavation or completion of this cave. However, experts believe that the cave temple was likely completed in the late 6th or early 7th century.
Cave 2 is situated at a higher elevation than Cave 1. The approach to Cave 2 is through a flight of steps located on the left side of the Cave 1 courtyard.
Facade and Layout
The image on the left shows the rectanguar façade of the cave temple and the rock from which it was carved. The façade features four pillars and a short flight of steps leading to the entrance of the temple.
The layout of the temple is shown in the image below. Like Cave 1, Cave 2 is also a mantapa-style temple consisting of a
The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is a small chamber carved into the rock at the rear of the cave and once housed a statue of Vishnu, which is now missing. In front of the garbhagriha lies the sabhamantapa, supported by three rows of pillars. Beyond it is the mukhamantapa (verandah), whose front portion forms the façade with four pillars visible at the entrance.
Mukhamantapa: The Ornate Front Porch
The mukhamantapa serves as the front porch or verandah of the cave temple. Its lateral walls display narrative sculptural reliefs depicting two avatars of Vishnu, while the ceiling is adorned with intricately carved bas-reliefs.
Varahavatara: The Third Avatar of Vishnu
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 the 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 Varahavatara can be found 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
Carved into the right sidewall of the mukhamantapa, this sculptural relief illustrates the story of Vamanavatara, the fourth of Vishnu’s ten avatars.
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: Yajna 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: The Intricately Carved 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.
A Maze of Swastika Patterns
The image shows a pattern consisting of swastikas carved into the ceiling of the
The swastika is an auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Sanskrit, the word swastika roughly means “well-being” or “good fortune.”
The four arms of the swastika symbolize several concepts in Indian tradition, including the cyclical movement of the universe and the eternal rhythm of creation and preservation. In the context of this temple, the symbol can be understood as representing the preservation of the universe — a role associated with Vishnu.
A similar pattern can also be found in one of jālandharas (perforated stone windows) built into the wall surrounding the sabhamantapa of the Durga Temple at Aihole.
In Summary
With its elegant mantapa-style layout, the cave reflects the sophistication of early Hindu temple architecture carved in stone. Though comparable in size and design to Cave 1, Cave 2 stands out for its finely carved pillars, narrative reliefs of Vishnu’s avatars, and intricately decorated ceiling motifs such as the Matsya Chakra and swastika patterns.
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 Temples of 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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