Bhoothanatha Temple is a beautiful building located 1.6 km from Badami Bus Station via Badami Museum on the banks of Agastya Lake. As part of the Badami tour Packages, it is one of the must-visit places to visit in Badami.

One of the main attractions in Badami, a historic town in the Bagalkot region of Karnataka, is the Bhutanatha collection of temples. This small village, once known as Vatapi, served as the administrative center for the Early Chalukyan Dynasty.

History of Bhoothanatha Temple

The Bhutanatha complex has two significant temples. One is on the east side of the Agastya Tirtha or Agastya Lake full stop. The other one is on the North East side. Bhoothanatha Temple is on the eastern side of the Agastya Teertha Temple. The Chalukya Empire was building these temples at the time. They are one of the earliest temples of South India.

The Jains affected the Bhutanatha group of temples for a while. Later, after seizing power, the Lingayats erected a Shiva Linga inside the shrine and a Nandi in front. On the lake's northeastern shore is where you'll find the Mallikarjuna Temple. It was built later while the Western Chalukyas were in power. 

Architecture

A well-known temple built in the early Eastern Chalukya style is the Bhutanatha Temple. It combines North Indian and South Indian architecture and is on the east side of Agasthya Tirtha. Among its distinguishing features are massive pillars, lotus patterns, Goddess Ganga on a makara, and Yamuna on the entryway. The Shiva Linga is the one to have existed later. 

In Badami town, a collection of sandstone temples honors Bhutanatha, the God of Souls. It is famous as the Bhutanatha complex of temples. The area is widely renowned for its breathtaking views and rock climbing options.

These temples are all built in the Southern Indian architectural style, including gigantic stones and statues of numerous god avatars. At the back of the temples are Jain and Lord Vishnu statues.