Although the Badami Cave Temples are primarily famous for their sculptures, they also contain important mural paintings. Despite losing much of their original grandeur, these murals provide insight into the artistic excellence of the period and are among the earliest surviving Hindu paintings. Dating to the 6th–7th century AD, the murals depict various subjects and resemble the traditions of Ajanta and Bagh.
The human figures are shown with graceful and compassionate expressions, large half-closed eyes, and protruding lips. The themes include paintings of Chalukyan kings, Jain saints renouncing worldly life, Shiva and Parvati, Puranic events, and various deities. Cave No. 3 is particularly notable for its mural depicting four-armed Brahma seated on a swan.