Famous Cave Temples Of South India - The Remarkable Architecture of Southern Indian Cave Temples

The cave temples of southern India are some of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring ancient monuments in the world. Carved out of solid rock, these temples are adorned with intricate sculptures and paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.

Some cave temples may have been built on older cave shrines or hermitages. The sacred nature of caves is believed to derive from Pre-Aryan Vedic traditions where caves were considered as places of worship that housed powerful deities. Thus some scholars believe that Hinduism first developed as a religion in the numerous natural cave shrines of southern India.

 

1. Amarnath Cave Temples

The Amarnath Cave Temples are situated in the valley of the river Poykai. The caves are relatively small, with 3 main caves and a few smaller ones. The main caves are dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu, while the smaller caves are dedicated to other Hindu deities, particularly Murugan. 

The caves are notable for their unfinished pillars and sculptures, which were carved directly out of the rocks they stand on. The temples were built by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century AD, and are some of the earliest Cave Temples in the country. The temples are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and are a major tourist attraction in the region.

 

2. Chennakesava Temple At Belur

The Chennakesava Temple at Belur is one of the finest cave temples in southern India. It was built in the 12th century by the Hoysala dynasty, which ruled this region throughout the century. The temple is dedicated to Chennakesava, another name for Vishnu.

The temple is carved out of a single piece of granite and is one of the earliest examples of temple architecture in the region. It is one of the few temples in India that is still in use today. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

The temple complex is surrounded by a large wall and is entered through a gateway. There are several temples inside the complex, including the main temple, which is dedicated to Chennakesava. The temple is carved with intricate detail and is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in India.

 

3. Udayagiri Cave Temples

 

The Udayagiri Caves are a complex of Cave Temples located in the Indian state of Odisha, southern India. The caves are thought to have been carved out during the 4th and 5th centuries AD and are dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The complex is made up of 18 caves, of which the majority are in ruins. The caves are a popular tourist attraction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Udayagiri Caves are located on the Udayagiri Hills, which rise to a height of 1,244 meters above sea level. The hills were formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, and are home to several Hindu temples and shrines. The caves are located in the northeast corner of the hills and are accessed via a narrow path that climbs up the side of the hill.

The Udayagiri Cave Temples are some of the oldest cave temples in India and are thought to have been carved out during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. The caves are carved out of this sandstone hill, with some caves being assigned to Vishnu, while others are dedicated to Shiva or Jainism.

 

4. Kailasa Temple At Ellora

The Kailasa Temple at Ellora is an impressive cave temple carved out of a single rock. It is said that the temple was built in just two years, a remarkable feat even by today's standards! The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest cave temples in India.

 

The Kailasa Temple is a must-see attraction in Ellora, and it's no wonder why it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. With its awe-inspiring architecture and stunningly detailed carvings, the temple is a marvel to behold!

The temple is particularly interesting to historians because numerous theories abound as to how it was built, how it was financed, and who ordered its construction. Whatever the answers to these questions may be, one thing is for sure - the Kailasa Temple is a true masterpiece of Indian architecture!

 

If you're visiting the Cave Temples of Southern India, be sure to include the Kailasa Temple at Ellora on your itinerary - you won't be disappointed!

 

5. Buddhist Cave Temples At Ajanta Caves

Ajanta caves are Buddhist Cave Temples located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The Ajanta Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The caves were excavated in two phases, the first phase dating back to the 2nd century BC, and the second phase dating back to the 5th century AD. The caves are renowned for their sculptures and paintings, which include some of the oldest surviving examples of Indian art. The caves were used as a monsoon retreat by monks, and each cave was hewn to include a water sink for collecting rainwater.

The Ajanta Caves are a major tourist attraction, and attract visitors from around the world. The caves are open to the public from 9 am to 5pm, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. The Ajanta Caves are a popular destination for day trips from Aurangabad, and can also be visited as part of a longer tour of the region.

 

6. Badami Cave Temple

 

The Cave Temples of Badami are carved out of rock around AD 650-850. They represent some of the earliest known cave temples in India located in Karnataka. Cave 1 is dedicated to Vishnu, Cave 2 is a Jain temple and Cave 3 is a simple monastery. Cave 1 is the most impressive, with intricate carvings on the door jambs and pillars, Cave 2 is a Jain temple and Cave 3 is a simple monastery.

The cave temples of southern India are a testament to the creativity and engineering skills of the ancient Indians. These temples are not only beautiful but also functional, as they served as places of worship and meditation for the Hindu and Buddhist monks who lived in them.