Badami (Cave Temple - 4) - Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India - Historical landmark in Badami - Bagalkote, India

4th cave temple is a jain temple. Small and has carvings of jain theerthankaras.

Located immediately next to and east of Cave 3, Cave 4 floor is situated about 10 feet lower and is the smallest of the four. It is dedicated to Tirthankaras, the revered figures of Jainism. It was constructed after the first three, sponsored by Hindu kings in later part of the 7th-century.Some scholars state this cave may have been created in the 8th century. Some embellishments were likely added in later centuries until about the 11th or 12th century. Like the other caves, Cave 4 features detailed carvings and a diverse range of motifs. The cave has a five-bayed entrance with four square columns - each with brackets and capitals. To the back of this verandah is a hall with two standalone and two joined pillars. The first aisle is a verandah 31 feet (9.4 m) long by 6.5 feet (2.0 m) wide, extending to 16 feet (4.9 m) deep. From the hall, steps lead to the sanctum sanctorum, which is 25.5 feet (7.8 m) wide extends to a depth of 6 feet (1.8 m). Inside the cave are major carvings of Bahubali, Parshvanatha and Mahavira with symbolic display of other Tirthankaras. Bahubali is standing in Kayotsarga meditating posture with vines wrapped around his leg, his classic iconography. Parshvanatha is shown with the five-headed cobra hood. Mahavira is represented sitting on a lion throne, whose identifying markers are not visibly and is identified by some scholars simply as a "seated Jina". This figure is flanked by bas-reliefs of attendants with chauri (fans), sardulas and makara's heads. Other carvings include Indrabhuti Gautama covered by four snakes, Brahmi and Sundari. In the sanctum is an image of Mahavira resting on a pedestal containing a 12th-century Kannada inscription marking the death of one Jakkave. Twenty-four small Jaina Tirthankara images are engraved on the inner pillars and walls. In addition there are idols of Yakshas, Yakshis and Padmavati. The artistic work, the icons to represents ideas and the motifs in Badami Cave 4, states Lisa Owens, resembles those of nearby Aihole Jain caves and much farther north Ellora Caves Jain caves in northern Maharashtra.

Cave - 4 is the smallest and inside the cave are major carvings of Bahubali, Parshvanatha and Mahavira with symbolic display of other Tirthankaras. Bahubali is standing in Kayotsarga meditating posture with vines wrapped around his leg. Parshvanatha is shown with the five-headed cobra hood. Mahavira is represented sitting on a lion throne. Other carvings include Indrabhuti Gautama covered by four snakes, Brahmi and Sundari. In the sanctum is an image of Mahavira resting on a pedestal containing a 12th-century Kannada inscription marking the death of one Jakkave. Twenty-four small Jaina Tirthankara images are engraved on the inner pillars and walls.

This is the fourth and last temple which is inline along a set of four cave temples carved a rock mountain in an elevation. Dedicated to Buddha and Jain Gods. Impressive and gigantic. You can't imagine how hard it would be to come up such carvings in a rock and the result looking absolutely stunning and astonishing. I would like to be transported to the times these cave temples were being carved. Such a wonderful place.

Cave 4 is situated about 10 ft lower & is the smallest. It was built in the 7th century almost 100 years after the completion of other three caves. Dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains, he is seen in a sitting posture on a lion throne delivering a sermon. On the right wall of the cave there is an sculpture of Parshvanath, 7th Tirthankara surrounded by all the other 24 Tirthankaras. Its walls are adorned with sculptures of Gomateshwara in penance with creepers around his legs, Parshvanatha with a 5 headed cobra hood, Yakshas & other Tirthankaras Stone steps lead to the Badami Fort, from this cave.

This is the last cave temple built by the Chalukyas which is dedicated to the Jain community people known as "Jaina Temple". This was built for Dharma Samanathe(religious equality). You can see the carved sculpture of the Mahaveer inside the cave. The sculpture of Bahubali(the follower of Jainism) is carved, which is in the standing position, he was meditating in this position for 12 years continuously. This temple was built in 7th century AD.

Badami caves were built over 100 years between the 6th and 8th centuries. The complex has four caves. One have to take 240 stairs to reach till cave four. These caves have idols and murals of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain inclinations. This shows the religious tolerance during that period. These caves are a source of inspiration for Mabalipuram temples. Cave 1 is the oldest of four caves, paints on the ceiling are dedicated to Lord Shiva as Natraj. Cave 2 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, his incarnations are depicted here. Cave 3 is inspired by the avatars of Lord Vishu. Different avrars are depicted namely Paravasudeva, Bhuvaraha, Harihara and Narasimha. Cave 4. Is dedicated to Jain ideology, statues of Lord Adinath ( statue with long hairs ), Lord Parashvanath ( statue with serpent hood ) and Lord Mahavira. One can see the lake from the top. One must visit the place after 8 AM, there are bats in the caves they are inactive in proper sunlight. The place is full of monkeys and Langoors, one have to be careful with the belongings especially food items.

(Visited in June 2019) - Unlike other three caves at Badami, this cave belongs to Jainism. Some fine carvings with minute details can be found on the walls of this cave representing Thirthankars, Bahubali, etc. One striking carving has a Jain theme, but the Thirthankar has a serpent-hallow!