Linga Shrine (Entrance)

Mallikarjuna Group, Badami

This shrine, dedicated to Shiva, is a smaller building (not seen in the previous photos) to the right of the main temple. Its geometrically adept columns consist of alternate cubical and cylindrical ("cube and tube") elements, separated by polygonal ("lock nut") bands. The column is topped by a compressed diamond-shaped head, which leads up to a dish-shaped echinus and square abacus, which finally(!) supports the beam.