Ravana Phadi

To the northeast of the Durga shrine is Ravana Phadi, a stunning rock-cut cave shrine. The Ravana Phadi Cave Temple is one of the Aihole monuments' crowning achievements. In this rock-cut cave, you may see architectural remains from the sixth-century Chalukya kingdom. In the inner sanctum of the Shiva shrine in the Ravana Phadi Cave, there is a Shivalinga. A must Include in your Aihole tour package as it is a well-known tourist site.

The architecture of Ravana Phadi Cave Temple

They were built around 550 AD, the Hindu temple known as Ravana Phadi in Aihole, Karnataka. It was formerly embellished with exquisite art. Despite poor preservation, the artwork only exists in fragments.

An old sandstone temple in India called Ravana Phadi was constructed in 550 AD. It has a distinctive flat field front, a cave entry pointing southwest, and a massive pillar. A Nandi Bull statue, pillars, and stone-carved columns can be seen in the entrance hall. Artwork of well-built deities, presumably showing Kubera, the sentinel of wealth, adorns the gateway.

More notable than the temples in Badami Cave is the rectangular mandapa. There is a detailed lotus, artwork, and images of Lord Shiva as his Ardhanari incarnation. On the ceiling are depictions of this god as well as numerous other deities.

In the mandapa, there are two chambers. One on the left features a painting of Lord Shiva in his Nataraja incarnation beside reliefs of Lord Ganesha, Parvati, and the Heavenly Mothers. Another one without engravings is on the right.

A room with paintings of Goddess Bhumi, Lord Vishnu in Varaha, and Goddess Durga killing Mahishasura may be reached via the mandapa. Apsaras is carved on the pillars, and Lord Indra, lotuses, Vishnu, Garuda, and Garuda are shown on the ceilings. There are entrances leading to the shrine that contains a Lord Shiva Lingam. Additionally, it takes you to a magnificent carving of Bhringi, a saint who is praising Lord Shiva.

Best time

The best time to visit Aihole is from October through March. Summertime highs could reach 35 degrees Celsius. In July, August, and September, it could be difficult to see local attractions due to the heavy rains. It is one of the must-see places to visit in Aihole.