A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c20.30

c20.30

In the Deccan, under the Chālukyas of Bādāmi and the Rāshṭrakūṭas of Mānyakheta, both Śaivism and Vaishnavism flourished although Śaivism was, perhaps, the more favoured creed. Magnificent temples were built at Bādāmi, Paṭṭadakal, Mahākūṭa, Ellora, and other places, arcakas (priests) were imported from the Śaiva ācāryas on the banks of the Ganges, and daily worship and periodical festivals in these temples were richly endowed. At the same time the performance of Vedic sacrifices was continued, vratas (religious vows) were observed and dānas (gifts) made. The worship of Kārtikeya attained such prominence in the Bellary region in the tenth century that two tapovanas were dedicated to him as the supreme deity, a development initiated by some teachers from Bengal. In the Andhra country also, where Buddhism had flourished in great strength in the early centuries of the Christian era, there came about a strong Hindu revival. Besides the more famous shrines of Kālahasti, Dākshārāma and Śrīśailam, the temples of Mahāsena (Kārtikeya) at Chebrolu, Humkāraśankari at Bidapura, and Mallēśvara at Bezwada became important centres of pilgrimage. Maṭhas grew up and were occupied by monks who fed the poor, tended the sick, consoled the dejected and set up schools for the education of youth, and in the process many Buddhist shrines and *vihāras* were turned to Hindu uses.