Cave 1

Badami, 575 A.D. - 585 A.D.

The cave-temples at Badami were excavated in the late 6th century, and are related to similar constructions at Ellora. The Badami caves open to the north. They are numbered 1-4 from west to east, which is also lowest to highest. The numbering also corresponds to their likely order of construction, so that Cave 1 was probably excavated first. The landscaping below the temple is modern.

Cave 1 is dedicated to Shiva. Its facade, just below the square-cut columns, displays a long frieze of dancing ganas.