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The
ancient name of the place is Vatapi, the name of one obnoxious
dreadful demon, who ruled over this region in such contemptuous
manner that a holy sage enraged at his atrocities devoured him for
the good of the people, according to the legend. In addition to
Hindu temples, a fair sprinkling of Jain Mandirs is also observable
here, both atop the hill and near the lake called Bhutanatha. To cap
as it were, the very Nature made gorge leading to the capital city
adorned throughout with temples of unique type is a miss-not
fortune, aver the artcritics. The whole region of Badami enchants
with its haunting Panorama. The Siva temple lying on the other side
of the
Bhutanatha lake, houses the beautiful Bhutanatha image of Siva in
sitting pose revealing His Roudrarupa. It is quite impressive. They
are many temples dedicated to Vishnu and others. In the vicinity of
this holy kshetra at a distance of 5 km, there lies the sculpture
gallery housing monumental pieces belonging to Aihole, Pattadakkal
and Badami temples. On the way to Pattadakkal, there is the famous
Banasankari temple worthy of visitation and adoration.
It
lies 163 km off Bijapur, the capital of the renowned Adilsahi rulers
enjoying rail and road facilities.
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