Cave 4 of Badami cave temple is dedicated to the Jains. The sanctum of this cave is adorned by Lord Mahavira`s image. The pedestal has an old Kannada inscription of the 12th century A.D. Several images of Jain Tirthankaras have been engraved in the inner pillars and walls. There are some idols of Bahubali, Yakshas and Yakshis additionally.
Mahavira`s image is on the western wall, the 24th Tirthankara and possibly the first `historical` figure in Jain history. In the western wall inside the verandah stands the 7th Tirthankara Suparshvanath. He has a crown of a five-hooded cobra. In the eastern wall stands Bahubali or Gomateshvar. This image is older than the image that crowns the hill of Shravanabelgola. In the western and in the eastern wall of the main hall stands a huge sculpture of Mahavira. This shrine is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara that is carved on the southern wall. Inside, the pillars are covered with fine carved images of meditating figures. The natural striations in the rock add to the beauty of the artistry.
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