My uncle, who has been a bigger traveller than me, briefly described the reason for cave temples in India. Cave temples or rock temples are the temples built inside mountains. The interiors and pillars are carved for years together by thousands of artisans who are ordered to do so by the then ruler.
It is easy to build with bricks and wood. Today, technology makes every idea practical but during those days (i'm referring to prehistoric India) it is next to impossible to breaks and carve rocks into architecturally rich temples.
The Concept:
According to my uncle, the reason to build temples in caves was during that time when humans didn't even know to build or construct a house. Normally, pre historic men lived in caves and a social gather would also be in caves. Temples were a common place where people gathered and prayed together. They would take important decisions, give judgement and encourage entertainment in the sacred place.
As we all know, a ruler is known or remembered for his work and worth. That is why they come up with the impossible projects and got fame by making it possible. The idols in the cave temples differ from one to another as every ruler has his own faith. Infact, the idol worship also came in at a later stage.
During those times, people prayed to sun, moon and stars. Then came the pillar worship and even today many tribes in India pray to pillars and dance around it during celebration. They even offer a sacrifice.
Centuries passed and humans learnt the art of carving. They carved pillars, walls and rocks which later led to the invention of materials that highlight the art such as wood, clay and stone. These are the prime elements of every construction.
Cave Temples In India:
India has many cave temples and the most popular is the Ajantha, Ellora caves (oldest). Inspired by the idea, many other rulers also built cave temples in Badami, Karla and Elephanta.
A Brief On Badami:
I can never forget my visit to badami as the gigantic caves and carvings made me spell bound for a moment. What's surprising is that that without the trucks, bulldozers and modern machinery, the perfection in cutting and shaping thousands of pillars is divine. The rulers of Chalukya dynasty built these temples. Here are some photos of Badami cave temples.
The temples are in 4 stages. The stages are Shiva (1), Vishnu (2), Maha Vishnu (3) and Jain (4). Because the caves look like or have colour of almonds, they are called Badami (meaning almonds).
What To Discover: The carving of Nataraj in cave 1
Trivikrama and Vishnu idols in cave 2 & 3
Nearest Airport: Bangalore, Mumbai
Car rentals can take you directly to the Bagalkot tourist attraction
Food and Accomodation: Badami Court (****)
Heritage Resort (****)
Best Season: October to January
Other Attractions: Pattadakal, Aihole
What's Famous: Ilkal Silk Sarees
Beware Of Monkeys & Bats
Karnataka Tourism Contact: 080-22352828
It is easy to build with bricks and wood. Today, technology makes every idea practical but during those days (i'm referring to prehistoric India) it is next to impossible to breaks and carve rocks into architecturally rich temples.
The Concept:
According to my uncle, the reason to build temples in caves was during that time when humans didn't even know to build or construct a house. Normally, pre historic men lived in caves and a social gather would also be in caves. Temples were a common place where people gathered and prayed together. They would take important decisions, give judgement and encourage entertainment in the sacred place.
During those times, people prayed to sun, moon and stars. Then came the pillar worship and even today many tribes in India pray to pillars and dance around it during celebration. They even offer a sacrifice.
Cave Temples In India:
India has many cave temples and the most popular is the Ajantha, Ellora caves (oldest). Inspired by the idea, many other rulers also built cave temples in Badami, Karla and Elephanta.
I can never forget my visit to badami as the gigantic caves and carvings made me spell bound for a moment. What's surprising is that that without the trucks, bulldozers and modern machinery, the perfection in cutting and shaping thousands of pillars is divine. The rulers of Chalukya dynasty built these temples. Here are some photos of Badami cave temples.
What To Discover: The carving of Nataraj in cave 1
Trivikrama and Vishnu idols in cave 2 & 3
Nearest Airport: Bangalore, Mumbai
Car rentals can take you directly to the Bagalkot tourist attraction
Food and Accomodation: Badami Court (****)
Heritage Resort (****)
Best Season: October to January
Other Attractions: Pattadakal, Aihole
What's Famous: Ilkal Silk Sarees
Beware Of Monkeys & Bats
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Karnataka Tourism Contact: 080-22352828
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