Ravana Phadi — Attraction in Karnataka

Ravanaphadi cave temple, Aihole, Karnataka

This particular representation of Shiva, his family and the matrikas accompanying them is probably an ode to the Pauranic story in which Lord Shiva performs a dance after defeating the powerful asura king named Andhaka (who as per Shiva Purāna is actually the son of Shiva and Parvati but raised by the asura Hiraṇyākṣa). This Andhaka had several special boons from Lord Brahma which almost granted him immortality, the only exception was that he could be killed by Lord Shiva.

Once in his blind arrogance, he tried to abduct Devi Parvati who invokes the Gods for her protection. A great battle ensues, but as per another boon granted to Andhaka from every drop of his blood that falls on the ground, a new Andhaka is born. To address this difficult situation Lord Vishnu creates matrikas, the mother-goddesses who drink up the falling blood drops so that finally Andhaka can be decapitated by Lord Shiva’s trident. In one of the variations of this story, Lord Shiva is said to have forgiven Andhaka because he takes refuge in the Lord.

Representations of Nataraja Shiva along with matrikas are also seen in some of the caves at Ellora, including the famous Kailasha temple (cave 14). With regard to the particular representation at Ravanaphadi at Aihole, it is also interesting to note that the Chalukya kings claimed to have been nursed by the Saptamatrikas. They considered them as giver of powers to defeat the enemies; matrikas thus figured prominently in their sculptural art, especially in the later Chalukyan period (11th to...

Home to about 125 Chalukyan temples and ancient monuments, Aihole is a medieval centre located in Bagalkot, Karnataka. It is also among the contenders for a position in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by sandstone hills and villages, it stands on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Formerly, the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty, Excavations revealed that this site has over 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the time of the Chalukyas. Today, Aihole is a prominent centre for temple architecture and intricate stonework.

Aihole, known initially as Ayyavole or Aryapura, played a significant role in Hindu mythology. Besides Hindu and Jain Temples, Aihole boasts of a rock-cut Buddhist monument dedicated to Lord Buddha. The towns of Pattadakkal and Badami are also located nearby and together; they form a vast region to witness the marvel and grandeur of Chalukyan architecture. A few historical places of the town include the Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, Huchimalli Temple, Meganagudi group, Gowda Temple and the Huchappayyagudi Temple amongst...

RavanaPhadi rockcut cave temple,Aihole - The first true gem of Chalukyan architecture is rock-cut temple devoted to Shiva.

Unlike many other rock-cut temples in India, Ravana Phadi has a large plain field in the front of outcrop and architects have used this with success.

Entrance in the cave opens to the southwest. Cave itself stands on a high platform and can be reached by a flight of steps.

In the front of the entrance in the temple there stands a huge, monolithic pillar with a square base. Closer to the entrance is a sculpture of Nandi – bull which Shiva rides. The bull is seated on a platform and is facing the cave.

On both sides from the entrance there are located two smaller, free-standing pillared halls, adding much effect to the magnificent architecture of entrance in temple.

Entrance in the cave is adorned with two columns adorned with stone carvings. Both sides of the entrance are decorated with reliefs of fat-bellied deities. Possibly these are depictions of Kubera,...