Badami Cave 2: Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel) on the mukhamantapa ceiling

Matsya Chakra
This eye-catching relief, popularly known as Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel), is carved on a recessed ceiling of the mukhamantapa (verandah) of Cave 2, the second of the four rock-cut caves carved out of a red sandstone hill near Badami in Karnataka, India.

The Matsya Chakra is a wheel consisting of a hub at the center and 16 spokes of fish enclosed by a rim carved with patterns of flowers and leaves. The hub is a medallion carved with a lotus flower pattern. Surrounding the Matsya Chakra are the two concentric square frames carved with intricate patterns.

Flanking the Matsya Chakra ceiling are the recessed ceilings carved with the maze-like patterns formed by swastikas.

Cave 2 Related Images
– Facade and Entrance
– Mukhamantapa left wall: Varahavatara
– Mukhamantapa right wall: Vamanavatara
– Mukhamantapa Ceiling: Swastika Maze
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave, Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves

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