Columns of the Linga Shrine (Entrance) Mallikarjuna Group, Badami The shrine, dedicated to Shiva, is a smaller building 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.