Monday, January 30, 2012

Udayagiri Cave No. 4

In Udayagiri (Madhya Pradesh) one can find some of the amazing caves with great sculptural work. The origin of these caves is between 4th to 5th century when rulers from Gupta Dynasty ruled the place. One such cave is No. 4 for convince.

It is a rectangular cell with a rock-cut plinth in which there is a very unique Śhiva linga. This Shiva linga has been given a face with the hair is tied up into a topknot with long locks cascading down each side.


The cave is entered through an entrance with delicately-carved floral scrolls. Externally, the cave is flanked by rock-cut pilasters and two guardians that have been damaged and weather-worn.


46 comments:

George said...

The detail in this sculpture are amazing.

Teamgsquare said...

Nice to know about this cave ........

Anonymous said...

nice sculptures

thanks

joshi daniel said...

that's different and unique!

Jyoti Mishra said...

I've visited this so many times.. really a lovely place
nice captures !!

Lowell said...

One has to wonder what people did back in the 4th and 5th centuries other than sculpt figures in caves? I mean, you commissioned these, who paid the artists, why did they "encave" them? So many questions!

Unknown said...

The top shot is absolutely beautiful!

Unknown said...

Another spectacular post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Carver said...

I like the sculpture very much. Interesting to find it in caves.

Sylvia K said...

What an amazing history your country has!! Another superb look at such an incredible place! Always look forward to your posts, Rajesh, and the beauty you share with us!

Sylvia

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

How interesting! Great photos.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

Beautiful carvings -- I wonder why they're in caves? I"ll go back and read the post again, maybe I missed something.

Al said...

What a unique place, nice shots. There are cave-dwellings in the state in which I live, I need to visit them one of these days.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking time to explain these interesting and ancient sculptures. good stuff.

garry.

Seow wei said...

I wish I can visit this place one day, Amazing.

Regina said...

Interesting world!

Great shots!

alicesg said...

Nice cave with a rich history. Would love to visit such caves.

Arija said...

What a beautiful statue so well preserved over the centuries inside it's cave.

LadyFi said...

What graceful and utterly lovely guardians! They are looking good for their age.

Leovi said...

Beautiful pictures, I like the sculptures. Good.

Ebie said...

I could not imagine such exquisite art carved on the walls of the cave. How well preserved too!

anthonynorth said...

Beautiful cave art.

mrsnesbitt said...

Wow! Amazing journey - I love the way posts like yours transport me from the warmth of my armchair here in UK to a world I would never have known! ABC Wednesday is what this is all about!
Thanks so much
Denise ABC Team

Roger Owen Green said...

One COOL cave!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Jeevan said...

Unique and Interesting!

photowannabe said...

I am always amazed by the intricate detail of the art and statuary you post. Beautiful.

Reader Wil said...

These statues look so modern, they are very beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Have a very nice week!
Wil, ABC Wednesday team.

HeARTworks said...

I've never been to India but I've always been fascinated by the many beautiful products I see here in the Philippines. I'm glad to have found your blog! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful!

Crystal Palace & Carousel

Chubskulit, ABC Wednesday Team

jewaicious said...

Thank you for sharing these beautiful sculptures and the history behind them with us.

Gattina said...

That's a very beautiful sculpture !

sush said...

so unique it is.

RIZALENIO said...

Very interesting. Looks so beautiful.

Annie said...

Fascinating and the sculptures are so beautiful.

Aakash Kokz said...

Beautifully carved and wonderfully captured once again ...

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this ancient craftsmanship.

Anna said...

Very interesting blog with beautiful pictures Rajesh!
Greetings from Holland,
Anna :-))

Mel Cole said...

Amazing sculpture. nice details. visiting from ABC Wednesday.

Suzy said...

That is a very beautiful Shiva Linga.

Sudhir R said...

Never seen such a shiv linga. Looks so unique

Arti said...

That is indeed a very unique shiv linga. So beautiful, never knew of this place. Thanks for sharing.

ArjunaUbacha said...

Nice one. Look forward to more images. That would give us much more idea about the place.

D.Nambiar said...

Hmm...that is a one-of-a-kind of Shiv-ling. Thank you for sharing that picture.

Panchali said...

Fascinating pictures...and the Shiva Linga is unique. Have never been there, want to visit the place some day :)
Thanks Rajesh...

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this ancient cave temple.

felicia follum said...

Awesome! I actually had the chance to go to these last summer...thanks for for sharing