• About Us
  • Profile
  • Feedback

Karnataka.com

  • Home
  • Education
  • Real-Estate
  • Government
  • Tourism
  • Recipe And Food
  • Restaurants
  • Festivals
  • Industry
  • ಕನ್ನಡ

Home » Badami » Bhutanatha Group of Temples

Bhutanatha Group of Temples

March 30, 2017 by Raggi Mudde

The Bhutanatha group of temples comprises of a bunch of sandstone temples, all dedicated to Lord Shiva. This group of temples is situated at Badami, nearby the well-known Badami cave temples.

Bhutanatha group of temples

Profile of Bhutanatha group of temples at Badami. Image courtesy: Dineshkannambadi

The Bhutanatha Group of Temples – Overview

The Bhutanatha group of temples is one of the major attractions located in Badami, a historical town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. This little town, then known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Early Chalukyan Dynasty.

The Bhutanatha Group of Temples – History

The Bhutanatha group of temples includes two major temples, one on the east and the other on the north-east side of the Agasthya Tirtha or Agasthya Lake. The Bhutanatha temple is situated on the eastern side of the Agasthya Tirtha. It is one of the earliest examples of structural temples in South India. This temple was built during the reign of the Chalukyas of Vatapi, as Badami was known then. Later additions were built by the Kalyani Chalukyas of the west.

Bhutanatha group of temples

Bhutanatha group of temples at Badami. Image courtesy: Gs9here

The Bhutanatha group of temples came under the influence of Jains for a period of time. Later, it was taken over by the Lingayats who installed a Shiva Linga in the shrine and a Nandi in front. The temple on the north-east side of the lake is the Mallikarjuna Temple. It belongs to a later period and it was built during the reign of the Western Chalukyas.

Mallikarjuna group of temples, Bhutanatha group of temples,

Mallikarjuna group of temples, Badami. Image courtesy: Dineshkannambadi

The Bhutanatha Group of Temples – Architecture

  1. The Bhutanatha TempleThe temple on the east side of the Agasthya Tirtha is the famous Bhutanatha temple, built in the style of the early Eastern Chalukyas. The style is a blend of North Indian and early South Indian temple architecture. This temple seems to have been built in two stages. The inner hall and the shrine reflect the style of the Eastern Badami Chalukyas, while the outer hall represents the style of the Kalyani Chalukyas of the west. The inner hall has massive pillars and the bays are decorated with lotus designs. On one side of the doorway of the shrine stands Goddess Ganga, riding the makara, while on the other side is river Yamuna. She is depicted as riding the tortoise. The Shiva Linga in the shrine is believed to be of a later date, put in by the Lingayats.
  2. Mallikarjuna Temple The Mallikarjuna Temple that lies northeast of the lake definitely belongs to the period of the later Chalukyas, the Chalukyas of Kalyani. It has the tiered pyramid structure characteristic of Western Chalukya Architecture.
Bhutanatha group of temples

View of Bhutanatha temple in Badami during monsoon. Image courtesy: Rudniks

How to Get to the Bhutanatha Group of Temples

Badami is a great tourist spot for its temples, history, and architecture. You can reach Badami from most places in Karnataka by bus. Badami also has a railway station. Belgaum, located 150 kilometers from Badami, is the nearest airport.

Also See

Karnataka Tourism and Important Temples

  • Explore Karnataka
  • Temples in Karnataka
  • Badami

Filed Under: Badami Tagged With: badami temple, Bhutanatha Group of Temples

Social

Top Posts & Pages

  • Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
    Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
  • Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
    Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
  • Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
    Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
  • Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder
    Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder
  • Districts in Karnataka
    Districts in Karnataka
  • Vittala Temple, Hampi – An Architectural Wonder
    Vittala Temple, Hampi – An Architectural Wonder
  • Bangalore Police Helpline Number
    Bangalore Police Helpline Number
  • Kuvempu - The Poet Who Redefined Kannada Literature
    Kuvempu - The Poet Who Redefined Kannada Literature
  • Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
    Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
  • Pay Your Bangalore Property Tax online
    Pay Your Bangalore Property Tax online

Recent Posts

  • Metro Guidelines For Unlock 4, bangalore metro phase 2, yeshwanthpur metro station, bangaloreBangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
    June 20, 2025
    Bangalore Metro is fast becoming the lifeline of […]
  • Janasevaka Scheme, KarnatakaJanasevaka Scheme, Karnataka – Government Services At Your Doorstep
    May 31, 2025
    The Janasevaka scheme provides important services to […]
  • Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple, Bangalore. Source Gpkp, WikiShrungagiri Shanmukha Temple, Bangalore – The Magnificent Hill Temple
    May 24, 2025
    Built atop a hill, the Shrungagiri Shanmukha temple, […]
  • Gruha Jyothi Scheme, Karnataka. Source UnsplashGruha Jyothi Scheme: How to avail the benefits if you change your house 
    May 15, 2025
    The Gruha Jyothi scheme is one of the five guarantee […]
  • Ice Apples in Bangalore. Source VD Photography, UnsplashCool But Costly: Ice Apples In Bangalore See A Price Hike!
    May 12, 2025
    Ice Apples, or Thaati Nungu, Bangalore’s summer […]
ImmigrationWorld | Airport Commute | NGO/Charity
Home | Media | Personalities | FAQ | About Us | Feedback
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer | Sitemap
Copyright © 2025 karnataka.com.
 

Loading Comments...