Badami Cave 4: 24th Tirthankara – Mahāvira in the Garbhagriha

Mahāvira in the Garbhagriha
Carved into the rear wall of the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of Cave 4, this sculptural panel depicts a Jain Tirthankara, most-likely Mahāvira, seated majestically on a lion throne.

As the name suggests, Cave 4 is the fourth of the four rock-cut caves carved out of a red sandstone hill near Badami in Karnataka, India.

Mahavira is the the most well-known and the final (i.e., 24th) Tirthankara and is believed to be a historical figure. In this relief, he is sitting under a chaitya vriksha (holy tree) with the Paryankāsana posture (lotus-like pose with the upward-facing palms placed on top of each other). Around his head is a prabhāmandala (halo), and above it is a mukkodé, i.e., three umbrellas stacked one above the other. Flanking him are two chāmaradhāras (male chāmara bearers), and above them are two Vidyādhara couples performing a pushpadhāre (offering a deluge of flowers).

Other Cave 4 Images
– Facade and Entrance
– Ground Plan
– Jakkavé with Mahāvira
– Bāhubali
– Pārshvanātha
– Rishabhanātha (Adinātha)
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave, Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves

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