Mahakuta Group of Temples, Badami, Karnataka India

Mahakuta is an ancient famous place which consists of group of temples. This holy place is located in the district of Bagalkot, Karnataka state. The Mahakuteswara and the Mallikarjuna temples are the largest of the Mahakuta group of temples.

The Mahakuteswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a Shiva Linga in the shrine topped by a curvilinear tower. It is built in the Dravidian style.  In the temple courtyard, there is a Nandi in front. The wall niches are decorated with carvings of various forms of Lord Shiva. There is a natural spring-fed tank inside the temple complex called Vishnu Pushkarini.

 Badami about 500 kms from Bangalore is the center of Chalukyan art. It was the center of glory during the Chalukyan regime. Badami is historically known for its famous rock cut cave temples. The Temples in Badami date backs from the Chalukyan era. Situated in the picturesque valley between two hills this ancient capital of the Chalukyas is famous for the four cave temples shaped out of sandstone rock from the hill. Dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva these temples in Badami are amazing pieces of Chalukyan art. Besides the beautiful cave temples is the famous Mahakuta Temple about 14 kilometers from Badami.

The other places of historical importance near Badami are Aihole, BanaShankari, Guledgud, Lakkundi Temple, Naganath Temple and the well-known Mahakuta Temple.

14 Kms from Badami, once a great center of shaiva cult, Mahakuta is a beautiful place surrounded by hills. The place is famous for the Mahakuteshwara Temple, the temple dedicated to Shiva. Built in the Dravidian style, Mahakuta temple Badami has several other shrines surrounding it.

Noteworthy are the temple walls covered with bas relief works and carvings of great artistic acumen. There is also a natural spring pond called Vishnu Pushkarni near the Mahakuta temple.