About Bhutanatha Group of Temples
The Bhutanatha Group of Temples lines the eastern shore of Agastya Tirtha, the old reservoir at the heart of Badami in Karnataka's Bagalkot district. Facing the famous cave temples across the water, these sandstone shrines are dedicated to Shiva as Bhutanatha, the lord of all beings. Their setting at the water's edge, with red cliffs behind, makes them one of the most photographed sights in Badami, and they offer a calm counterpoint to the busier caves.
The site has two clusters from different periods. The main or eastern group, built around the early 8th century, shows the style of the early Chalukya kings who ruled from Vatapi (Badami). An inscription on its outer wall, dated to about the late 9th century, records a gift to the deity, showing that the temple was in use then. The northern group, sometimes called the Mallikarjuna group, was added in the 11th and 12th centuries under the later Chalukyas of Kalyani, whose architects favoured a different style. Smaller shrines were added over time, and some are now in ruins.
The main Bhutanatha temple has a pillared hall with massive central columns leading to a small sanctum with a Shiva linga, topped by a three-storeyed Dravida-style tower. Stone screens let light into the hall, and the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flank the sanctum doorway. Stone steps lead down from the temple into the lake. The later northern shrines have curved Nagara-style towers built in stepped tiers. Nearby, on boulders by the shore, are carved reliefs including a reclining Vishnu and small Jain images. The shrines are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Bhutanatha Group of Temples timings
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Bhutanatha Group of Temples
By air
Hubballi Airport is the nearest, about 105 km away.
By train
Badami railway station is about 5 km away.
By road
The temples are reached on foot from Badami town, past the Archaeological Museum, or by auto. Buses connect Badami with Hubballi, Bagalkot and Vijayapura.
Festivals at Bhutanatha Group of Temples
- Banashankari Jatre (at nearby Banashankari temple)Jan/Feb
- Chalukya Utsav (held in some years)Jan/Feb
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- No formal dress code; modest clothing is respectful.
- Entry
- ASI-protected site; entry is generally free or covered by a nominal ticket. The Badami caves need a separate ASI entry ticket. Check locally.
- View the temples from the cave side of the lake for the classic photograph, then walk around to see them up close.
- Go early or late in the day; the sandstone gets hot at noon.
- Watch out for monkeys, which are common around the lake.
- Visit the ASI Archaeological Museum on the way.
- Wear comfortable footwear; the paths along the shore are uneven.
Places to visit near Bhutanatha Group of Temples
- Badami Cave TemplesFour 6th-century rock-cut shrines on the opposite cliff, about 1 km away
- Archaeological Museum, BadamiASI museum of Chalukya sculpture, about 0.5 km away
- Banashankari TemplePopular goddess temple at Cholachagudda, about 5 km away
- PattadakalUNESCO World Heritage temple complex, about 22 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Bhutanatha temples in Badami?
The main temple was built around the early 8th century under the early Chalukyas; the northern group was added in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Kalyani Chalukyas.
Which deity is worshipped at Bhutanatha temple?
The temples are dedicated to Shiva as Bhutanatha, the lord of all beings.
Where are the Bhutanatha temples located?
They stand on the eastern shore of Agastya lake in Badami, Karnataka, across the water from the cave temples.
Can I visit Bhutanatha temples and Badami caves on the same day?
Yes, they are about a kilometre apart, and most visitors see both in a few hours.
What are the Bhutanatha Group of Temples timings?
Usually open from about sunrise to sunset. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Bhutanatha Group of Temples?
No formal dress code; modest clothing is respectful.
How to reach Bhutanatha Group of Temples?
By air: Hubballi Airport is the nearest, about 105 km away. By train: Badami railway station is about 5 km away. By road: The temples are reached on foot from Badami town, past the Archaeological Museum, or by auto. Buses connect Badami with Hubballi, Bagalkot and Vijayapura.
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