Yellamma Gudi, Badami

Badami was once known as Vatapi, over a period of few centuries, Vatapi transformed to Badami. Probably one of the reasons is the almond (Badami in Kannada) colored sandstone formations. With a numerous natural shelters, Badami hills were inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. Evidences like stone implements and rock-paintings have been found on these hills. During the common era (CE), in the VI Century, a dynasty named Chalukyas emerged here, ruled over the region, stayed in power for two centuries expanding their kingdom into an empire. The Chalukyas were a religious, powerful, prosperous and cultural people. It was during the Chalukyan time, the evolution of temple architecture took place, countless temples were built. Chalukyan temple builders were masters in creating rock-cut (cave) temples and structural temples. One can see both cave temples and structural temples at Badami. Besides, cave and structural temples, monolithic temples were also created - each temple was made by sculpting a single boulder. At Badami, there are two temple complexes and also several standalone temples. Among the standalone temples, Yellamma Gudi is one of the restored monuments. Having built so many temples, a natural source of water- Agastya Thirta -was also renovated with a retaining wall to harvest rainwater. Along the west and northern embankment are steps for easy access. Yellamma Gudi is situated on the western embankment.

July 17, 2022

Our tour of Badami started with the cave temple complex. Then as we made our way from the south hill to the north hill, we had cut through the town's congested locality to the west of Agastya Thirta. Our path touched the paved shore on the southwestern corner of the tank, then we took the steps leading up to the top of the embankment directly in front of Yellamma Gudi. This is an east-facing temple with a pillared hall having a seating platform on three sides, and one entrance. This hall in temple terminology is called ad Sabhamantapa.

At the center of the Sabhamabapa is the Rangamantapa, the space enclosed by these four similar looking pillars. Beyond the Rangamantapa is a doorway with a perforated screen. The doorway is the only access to the Garbhagudi (sanctum) via the Antharala (vestibule).

A series of little niches with floral motifs on the side and front walls of the Sabhamantapa. The tier below the floral series is a series of notches. One may wonder the purpose of these notches... my guess is they are made to hold oil lamps. During Deepotsava, the temple is decorated with glowing lamps. Mud cups can be easily placed in these notches.

Lets go around the temple once. This temple is a classic example of Chalukyan architecture. The design is simple but elegant. The Sabhamatapa (meeting hall) has ample ventilation even during warm months. Badami weather is usually dry and warm, being situated in a cleft, air movement can is limited which makes it sultry. So the designers opted for an open hall rather than an enclosed space. Its Shikhara type is known as Karnataka Dravida or Vesara.

Heritage Series booklet on Badami says that Yellamma Gudi was built by an ascetic named Paramanandadeva during the rule of Kalyana Chalukya king Jagadekamall II in 1139 CE. An inscription stating this information found here is now an exhibit at the historical museum here. This temple was originally dedicated to Yoga Narayana called Yogeshwara Narayana. It is possible that the deity of this temple- a XII Century CE idol of Dattatreya -is kept at another temple a short distance from here.

View of the temple side wall, Agastya Theerta waters and the southern sandstone cliffs.

Here is a glimpse of the exterior walls of the sanctum. The wall is made to resemble a series of miniature pillars. In the foreground are two stone objects- a Kalasha and a stone tub -both.

The seven tiered Vimana of Karnataka Dravida type. This part of the temple is really complex. Its a wonder how the builders managed to align the pieces in a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Thinking of present day puzzles, the ones with weird shapes and complex solutions, must have roots going back to historic times.

The front edge of the Sabhamantapa. The outer pillars are relatively simple and not so simple at the same time. Note the top of the pillars, the precisely formed grooves going around the pillar. Atop each of the pillars is are components supporting the roof firmly yet able to neutralize seismic forces to an extent. In the background are the cliffs of south hill. Atop the rocks are the rampart walls. On the cliffs are the mouths of Cave IV and the natural cave. At the base of the separate rock between the cliffs and the temple is a shrine which I'm yet to see. Surely its an ancient shrine, probably been there since the prehistoric times.

A group of friends from a nearby city touring Badami like us. The view of Agastya Thirta is truly breathtaking. Rainwater from the hills flow down into this tank. The builders have made way for excess water to flow out once the tank is filled to capacity. During a good rain, a gorgeous waterfall can be seen on the sandstone cliffs. Its a rare sight, one has to be lucky... rather one has to be here at the right time to see the glorious sight with their own eyes.

The stepped embankment. Residents of this part of the town come here to wash clothes and also to bathe in the cool waters. Yellamma Gudi is one of the monuments here which is rarely visited because of its location.

Finally, Yellamma temple as seen from the courtyard of Cave IV.

From Yelllamma temple we walk through the narrow lanes of the locality which are rather filthy despite the efforts of civic departments. I wish local people develop basic civic sense and keep their locality clean so that tourists leave with good memories.

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