Cave Temples of Badami – Cave 4 of 4

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Cave Temples of Badami – Cave 4 of 4

October 6, 2007 by Arun Shanbhag

This series of posts complements the exquisite Karnataka Food Festival organized by Asha’s Foodies Hope. Go over and enjoy the feast!

See my previous posts on the 6th century Cave Temples of Badami, in Northern Karnataka:
Cave One is dedicated to Shiva as the impressive Nataraja; and Devi as Mahisasuramardini.
Cave Two honors Vishnu and his avataars Varaha and Vamana.
Cave Three is also dedicated to Vishnu, and holds some of the most impressive works of art of his avataars Narasimha.

Cave Four is dedicated to Mahavir and the 24 Tirthankaras.

As you step on the front porch, the pride of place on the immediate left is taken by an imposing sculpture of Mahavir.

The craftsmanship of his facial features is exquisite and so elegantly portrays the experience of bliss. Gaze at this crop!

Inside, the pillars were covered with finely carved images of meditating figures. Note how the natural striations in the rock add to the beauty of the artistry.

Another sculpture of Mahavir inside the cave. Here, the striation on the walls covered with meditating figures draws our eyes to the Tirthankara protected in his alcove.

A group of women and girls taking a break from climbing the hill to enjoy all the caves!

NB:I have denoted the two larger images as Mahavira; I am not certain if they represent any of the other Tirthankaras. If you have any good evidence to indicate otherwise, please bring it to my attention.

Posted in Arts, Karnataka, Temples | Tagged Indian Arts, Karnataka, Sanatan Dharma, Temples | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on October 7, 2007 at 8:22 pm | Reply bee

just fabulous. love the post and pics.
on October 7, 2007 at 9:57 pm | Reply Arun Shanbhag

thanks bee for appreciating;
it was a fabulouse visit which I will remember for a long time.

how was jai’s marathon? )
on October 8, 2007 at 2:29 am | Reply lakshmi

i was waiting for you to post on cave 4 – maginificent – the second pic captures his expression so beautifully
on October 8, 2007 at 8:59 am | Reply Arun Shanbhag

Thanks Lakshmi!
There is so much more to see in Badami. I just watched Guru the movie and recognized Ash and Abhi wedding (in the movie) at a small temple near the caves.
Bliss!
on October 10, 2007 at 1:33 pm | Reply bee

j’s marathon was great. 4:13. have posted about it here.

http://jugalbandi.info/2007/10/race-for-a-cure/
on October 10, 2007 at 2:45 pm | Reply Arun Shanbhag

thanks bee!
great time; will look it up.
on October 13, 2007 at 7:02 pm | Reply amreekandesi

Nice pictures!
on October 13, 2007 at 11:11 pm | Reply Arun Shanbhag

Many thanks, desibhai!
on October 15, 2007 at 10:14 am | Reply Fantastic Four MEME « The ‘yum’ blog

[...] I went to Badami when I was five and my dad made be solve a dozen puzzles that the artists had left on these Cave temples. The magnificence of the sculpture at Badami is burned in my memory like no other. You must head to Arun’s blog to read more on Badami. [...]
on October 23, 2007 at 4:33 am | Reply Rachna

wow breathtaking beautiful…by mahavir, do you mean… the main diety that Jains pray to?
on October 24, 2007 at 8:12 am | Reply Arun Shanbhag

yes, Rachna – it is Mahavir of the Jains!
Spectacularly beautiful!
You should visit some time!
on December 13, 2008 at 10:48 am | Reply P.Adidass Jain

The pictures are very nice, out family enjoyed it. Thanks.

Adidass.P