Situated on a small hillock, this Brahmanical cave temple is assignable to the 7^th century CE. It has, on plan, a sanctum, a vestibule flanked by carved panels and a central space with minor shrines to either side. There are several beautifully carved sculptures in this cave temple. They include Shiva, Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara, Harihara, Mahishasuramardini, etc. Despite the variety of images found here, the great dancing Shiva in the left shrine and the linga inside the sanctum suggest an over all Shaiva affiliation. In depicting Nataraja, the sculptor has imbibed rhythm and motion. This eight – armed Shiva is represented as dancing on his raised feet. The upper hands hold out the snake giving compositional value to the movement. On the vestibule ceiling, in three big circles, are Vishnu on Gaurda, a central lotus and Indra on Airvata.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

Dharwad Circle

Ravan Phadi (Brahmanical cave)

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Ravan Phadi (Brahmanical cave)

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