A small, well proportioned, sandstone temple to “Lord of Ghosts/ Bhuth” at the edge of a large, green Agastya tank, nestled among hills, this is a peaceful temple full of charm. Built in late 7th century by Badami Chalukyas with the outer mantapa added in 11th century by Kalyani Chalukyas. In the 7th century this area was called Vatapi and the Chalukyas overran a large empire which was at war with Pallavas to the southeast. Temples at Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal (the last on the UNSECO world heritage list) heralded their strength. One of the temples at Aihole has an inscription by the poet Ravikirti giving us a date of Pulakesin II success. Despite all this historical importance it is this temple to Bhuthanatha that captures the imagination of the artist here.
You reach here by going to Badami in Northern Karnataka (Coordinates 15°55′15″N 75°41′16″E)
