Shivana Gudi Badami — Attraction in Karnataka

This temple (c. 600–625 CE) is found on the highest section of the northern hill, it is northeast of the Lower Shivalaya. Though called "Upper Shivalaya", it is actually a Vaishnava temple. The outer walls of the temple create a rectangle containing a square sanctum and a symmetric pradakshinapatha inside. The sanctum opens into a columned mandapa on the east. This is a ruined temple in parts, as it is missing its internal columns. The walls are built on a basement with a central recessed course containing foliate ornament and narrative scenes. On the south face, Ramayana episodes are pictured, which Meister and Dhaky call as "elegant narratives in discrete and expressive figures".These include the waking of Kumbhakarna, scenes from various Rama legends. Panels on the west face depict the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna, including Krishna sucking Putana’s breasts. Though there are no narratives seen on the north. The walls above have narrow projections by pilasters carried up into the parapet, four on the south and three on the west. The central pilastered projections have panels depicting Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana (south), Narasimha disemboweling his victim (north), etc. These support miniature eaves and kudus, the latter intruding in the kapota eaves. The square tower over the sanctuary has pilastered walls. It is crowned by a large kuta, without finial, the earliest and best preserved example of this type of Dravida styled roof in Early Chalukya...

Upper Shivalaya is an ancient temple located in Badami, a town in the state of Karnataka, India. The temple is situated on a hill and is believed to have been built during the 5th century AD by the Chalukya dynasty.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Mahakuta. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance.

The Upper Shivalaya temple is a small structure, but it is beautifully carved with various sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also known for its intricate ceiling designs and elaborate pillars, which are adorned with beautiful carvings of various deities.

The temple is situated on a hill, and visitors must climb a flight of stairs to reach it. From the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, including the town of Badami, the Agastya Lake, and the nearby Badami Cave Temples.

Overall, Upper Shivalaya is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture and history. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious traditions of the region and is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the...

Badami Shivalaya refers to one of three 6th to 8th-century CE Hindu temples in Badami, Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. They illustrate the early Chalukya style, and are among the better preserved illustrations of Dravida Hindu architecture. They are close to the Badami cave temples and other structural temples near Agasthya lake, but the Badami Shivalyas are located near or on top of different hillocks. These include the Upper Shivalaya (actually a Vaishnava temple), Lower Shivalaya and the better preserved Mallegitti Sivalaya found to the north of the Badami town. These temples include Shiva, Vishnu and Devi-related artwork, as well as depict legends from...