Badami Temple Cave 2: Dedicated to Vishnu
Cave 2 is above Cave 1 and faces north. It was created in the late 6th or early 7th century. The pillars have decorative carvings with a frieze of ganas (mythical dwarfs) with various facial expressions. On the two sides of the entrance are standing Dwarapalas (guardians) holding flowers, not weapons.
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Badami Temple Cave 2: Varahavatar, the third avatar of Vishnu
Varahavatar, the third of the ten avatars of Vishnu, is carved on the left sidewall of the Mukhamantap of Cave 2. Varah in Sanskrit means wild boar. In this avatar, he assumes the form of a wild boar and rescues Bhudevi (Mother Earth) from an evil demon named Hiranyaksha, who was tormenting her. Vishnu as Varah is lifting Bhudevi while Hiranyaksha lay dying on the
ground killed by Vishnu. The story of Varahavatar is a popular theme in both
the Chalukya and Hoysala temples.
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Badami Temple Cave 2: Vamanavatar, the fifth avatar of Vishnu
Vamanavatar, the fourth of the ten avatars of Vishnu, is carved into the right side wall of Cave 2.
Vishnu takes two forms in this avatar:
1. Dwarf brahmin holding a wooden umbrella
2. Gigantic Trivikrama taking a giant stride. In this avatar, Vishnu curbs the powers of the asura king Mahabali and relegates him to Patala (underworld or netherworld).
Vamanavatar relief depicting Mahabali, Vamana, and Trivikrama Mahabali is seen clinging to Trivikrama’s leg as he takes a giant stride. Vamana, who is holding a wooden umbrella, is seen standing under Trivikrama’s extended leg at the site where Mahabali is performing yagna to please Vishnu. Attending him are the other Brahmins who are holding materials to offer them as sacrifices at the yagna pyre.
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Badami Temple Cave 2: Matsya Chakra
Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel) is carved into the ceiling of Cave 2. The Matsya Chakra is a wheel consisting of a hub at the center and 16 spokes of fish enclosed by a rim carved with patterns of flowers and leaves. The hub is a medallion carved with a lotus flower pattern. Surrounding the Matsya Chakra are the two concentric square frames carved with intricate patterns.
Flanking the Matsya Chakra relief on the left and right sides are the reliefs consisting of swastika patterns.
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Badami Temple Cave 2: Maze of Swastik Patterns
A pattern consisting of swastikas carved on the ceiling of Cave 2. It is situated above a beam carved with the Samudra Manthana story.
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