Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c12.s1.9

c12.s1.9

Traditionally Bādāmi and the nearby three well-known places namely Mahākūṭa (Hale and Hosa), Paṭṭadkal and Aihoḷe, all located on the banks of the river Malaprabhā within a distance of about 30 km, are believed to have been inhabited by the two demons Vātāpi and Ilvala. They were a great menace to the pious and innocent. The sage Agastya on his way to south subjugated them, thus the place has gained sanctity. Besides, the environmental condition especially in and around Mahākūṭa, such as deep valley covered with moderate green forest and perennial water resources not easily available to commonpeople, has been most suitable for people with spiritual bent of mind to carry out their religious practice, unhindered by worldly disturbances. Thus, it appears, the Pāśhupata Saivas given to yogic practices, had selected this locality and carried on their practices at least from the pre-Chalukyan period; thus the whole area had a spiritual atmosphere.