Thursday, August 30, 2012

Vishwakarma Cave, Ellora

In Ellora the cave numbered as 10 is the only chaitya griha amongst the Buddhist group of caves. This double-storied cave carved stylistically and paleographically dates back to 700 A.D. and has richly decorated facade that has semblance of masonry work.

The facade is decorated with a number of friezes of animals, couples and a beautifully carved window, which allows light in the cave.

The cave consists of large courtyard with a double storeyed apartments on both sides and an apsidal pillared hall on raised platform. The spacious hall apsidal on plan, has thirty pillars octagonal columns with plain bracket capitals arranged in an elongated apse. Above the piilars there are figures in bas-relief.

This cave temple is dedicated to Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods and the patron saint of many Indian artisans. Hence the name Vishwakarma Cave.

The hall has a vaulted roof in which ribs have been carved in the rock imitating the wooden ones. Hence also the name Carpenters Cave. The ribbed vault gives an echo effect in the hall when a person standing at one end of the columns of the cave creates any sound.

In the apsidal end of the chaitya hall is a stupa on the face of which a colossal 3.30 m high seated Buddha in preaching posture is carved. The Buddha is flanked by two Bhodhisattvas and celestial couples all carved against the stupa which serves as ornamental background. The drum of the stupa is also decorated with panes of Buddha and Bhodhisatvas.

43 comments:

Al said...

That is incredible - I can't imagine the time and work that went into it.

anney said...

Awesome collection of photos! You truly have an eye in capturing these kind of images!

krishna said...

it is really amazing, this is epitome of architecture..

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice article and photos.

www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Beautiful pictures...

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Wow... magnificent!

Lowell said...

700 A.D. or as we say now, C.E.? Incredible. I'd like to hear a concert in that cave. What acoustics.

Anonymous said...

Amazing architecture!

Jeevan said...

Wow!! Nothing to say... I’m quite surprise by the amazing architecture and carving! Great composing on pictures.

joo said...

Gorgeous place!

Carver said...

Fantastic shots of the impressive art.

Magia da InĂªs said...

✿✿
Lindo, lindo, muito lindo todos esses detalhes da arquitetura.
Amigo, beijinhos.
Bom fim de semana!
✿✿✿

Anonymous said...

Wow!The cave carvings of this Buddhist temple are real unique.

Lakshmi said...

fascinating..shd visit here sometime

Leovi said...

Nice pictures. Great images, an architectural work of great beauty. Greetings.

Maude Lynn said...

The roof is incredible!

George said...

It's almost hard to believe that these beautiful details were carved in a cave. Thanks for sharing this fascinating place with us.

Pearl Maple said...

How cool to have the echo effect in such a beautiful buidling thanks for sharing with Sky Watch Friday

Pat said...

Beautiful, complex architecture. India has had and still has some amazing architects!

Unknown said...

nice post.....incredibal India

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful ancient architecture of the cave and sculptures.

eden said...

Wow..impressive architecture! Great shots.

Sylvia K said...

Such an incredible, breathtaking place, Rajesh! The architecture is awesome and your captures are superb! Thank you for sharing the beauty!!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Once again I am in awe of how advanced civilization was in your "old" country compared to what was happening in the "new world" at the same time. Beautiful intricate carvings.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! Absolutely beautiful.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Holy hands created this holy space!

Recipe for Shadows

EJ said...

NIce captures. Visiting from Shadow shot Sunday.

LV said...

Loved visiting and seeing these great buildings. Wonderful architect.

Catherine said...

stunning architectural shots - quite stunning!!

genie said...

Rajesh....This has to be one of my favorites of all of your posts. I would five anything to visit and see it in person. The vaulted ceiling is spectacular. What a remarkable piece of history and architecture. genie

Liz said...

Awesome pics! Have a fabulous week.

Liz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB

lorik said...

I loved looking at these photos- I visited them in 77 (showing my age!) and will never forget it. That last photo of the vaulted roof is excellent!

Fashion Momma said...

These are amazing.

My blues are here and here.

Marie said...

Awesome photos indeed! ^_^

Historical places never fails to excite me.

Here's my blue... It's Leaveland

cassandrasminicorner said...

Impressive structures!

Visiting from Blue Monday- hope you can sop by..

http://www.mommys4seasonsjourney.com/2012/08/the-kindergartners.html

RNSANE said...

I am continually amazed by the incredible talents of artists, from
ancient times, to present day. India has such a wealth of beauty.

My MYM is at:
http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2012/09/mellow-yellow-monday-189-yellow-flowers.html

cassandrasminicorner said...

Visiting again from Mellow Yellow Monday- hope you can stop by..

http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2012/09/can-you-find-my-girl.html

Anonymous said...

Heard a lot about Ajanta and Ellora Caves from my school days and now reading your post,I must and will visit these place

Jiggyasa said...

Carpenter's cave looks so fascinating...the artistically done rib structure. great post Rajesh!

pradipwritenow said...

Very Nice Photographs and narration.

Paresh Kale said...

TFS ! nice images !

sushmitha said...

Wonderful captures and informative :)

Tomichan Matheikal said...

A place that I have always wanted to visit but being postponed. Your post has reinforced my determination.