This is an interesting Jain Cave temple on the hill of Meguti, facing south-east. On plan, it consists of a transverse veranda, a central hall opening into the main shrine in the back wall and two side chambers. Its ceiling is supported by four pillars and two pilasters, all of which are square in section, quite plain and with two sided capitals. The veranda ceiling is beautifully carved with swastika designs, leaf motifs and lotuses. Human figures are also seen issuing from makaramukhas. On the extreme right end is a beautiful sculpture of Gomatesvara flanked by his sisters Brahmi and Sundari. On the extreme left is Parsvanatha, guarded by his serpent friend Dharanendra. The pillars of the side chambers and the shrine are similar. The main hall has huge central lotus, set inside a square carved on the ceiling. The latter also has carved makaras, mermaids, fish, geese, etc. On the floor in the centre is a damaged lotus. On the back wall of the hall are two dwarapalas guarding the main shrine. In the left chamber are a number of interesting sculptures with Mahavira in the centre. On the back wall of the shrine, on a lion throne is Mahavira seated in the padmasana in the dhyan mudra.

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Dharwad Circle

Mena Basti (Jain Cave)

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Mena Basti (Jain Cave)

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