Archaeologists in Karnataka have uncovered a small but significant sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in a remote village near Badami. Built during the transition from the Gupta to the Chalukya style, the temple features a unique set of perforated stone windows (Jalis) that allow a single beam of light to illuminate the Lingam only during the sunrise of the Makar Sankranti.
This sophisticated astronomical alignment demonstrates the deep integration of Surya Siddhanta principles into temple architecture. The walls also contain rare carvings of the legendary 'Dashavatara' that exhibit a stylistic link between the art of North and South India, suggesting a period of intense cultural exchange.