Badami formerly known as Vatapi, is a town in the Bagalkot district. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. Badami is famous for its sandstone cave temples. Cave temple 1 may be the oldest in Badami. It is made of red sandstone and has a hall with numerous pillars and a square shaped sanctum hollowed in the control back wall. There are paintings of amorous couples on the ceiling. Other features include Shiva and his consort Parvati with a coiled serpent and the 18 armed lord Nataraja in 81 dancing poses. The cancellation depicts Nataraja as the cosmic dancer.