BHUTANATH - L

Bjorksta: https://www.ikea.com/in/en/p/bjoerksta-picture-with-frame-birds-by-the-beach-aluminium-colour-s19416787/

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)

My family left me for a few hours at this spot. It is the Bhutanatha temple near Badami. Built in 7th century the sanctuary and inner hall are Early Chalukya while the outer hall overlooking the tank is thought to be late Chalukya (11th century).

An age has passed but this temple grabs you and holds you. Set in picturesque surroundings with cool breeze wafting as majestic hills rise I felt a desire to capture the asymmetrical portions by the horizontal line of the deck. The water tank is a typical feature of any Hindu temple and just helps to capture the reflections. The mid afternoon activity of washing clothes assumed a special importance for me.

There is a whole wiki site on this at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhutanatha_group_of_temples,_Badami

This site has been a place for shooting of films and there is a delightful post on this at http://www.wherewasitshot.com/2010/06/27/bhutanatha-temple-badami-karnataka/