Monday, February 11, 2013

Cave No. 17, Ellora

The Cave No. 17 at Ellora is a Hindu Cave that is constructed between 6th and 8th century during the period of Kalchuri dynasty. 



The cave appears to have two parts because of it's centrally located steps. Though the cave is incomplete, the sculptural work in this cave is marvelous. 



The entrance to the cave with feminine figures on the the pillars is noteworthy.



The interior space is filled with eight huge pillars, disposed in two equally spaced groups of four on either side of a widened central space leading to the shrine. 



Shiva's consort Durga sits to the right of the main mandapa, triumphing over the buffalo demon. She holds the trident, the sword, and the chakra.



Ganesha is on the left of the main mandapa with a cobra around his waist and holding his axe, a rosary, and a flower, while consuming laddus. Below Ganesa are music-making dwarfs, that at the right with a stringed instrument, while the other, painfully constricted, playing cymbals.



Emphasis on female figures in the cave is most obvious from the female brackets. These figures, with their attendants, both standing and flying, line the axis of the cave. 

41 comments:

Kim, USA said...

Wow amazing!!

Kim,USA

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Nice one Rajesh. This place is my wish list. Lets see when will I visit

Panchali said...

Fantastic...Have been there so the pics made me nostalgic.Great shots, Rajesh!

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Interesting photo feature...

eileeninmd said...

Amazing shrine. The details on the carvings are beautiful. Wonderful photos, Rajesh!

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice post with lovely captures.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/02/welcome-to-benares.html

Jeevan said...

This cave seems interesting to check! Marvelous indeed.

Photo Cache said...

incredible.

Sylvia K said...

You do share the most amazing and awesome parts of your world, Rajesh!! I always look forward to your posts!! This one is a great example!! Hope you have a good week!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Fun60 said...

They are indeed wonderful. As always I marvel at how they have withstood erosion and remain as wonderful as when they were carved.

Carver said...

I am fascinated by the caves you show us. This is another great one.

D.Nambiar said...

I only got to see Ajanta. Really nice to see some pictures from Ellora. I hope these caves stay intact forever.

Maude Lynn said...

Amazing!

Indrani said...

Lighting is very good, great shots!

A Colorful World said...

How wonderful! Beautiful carvings.

Jackie said...

Absolutely wonderful Rajesh! I love your photos very much!

Liz said...

Wonderful pics. Have a fabulous week!

Liz (yacb)

Hootin Anni said...

My goodness, but these are incredible. You wouldn't realize this is all inside by looking from the outside.

Happy Ruby Tuesday.

Anonymous said...

So much history and so lovely.

LifeRamblings said...

what an amazing cave. the attention to detail is wonderful.

anthonynorth said...

Amazing places.

Roger Owen Green said...

just can't find such marvels anywhere as impressive near here

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

George said...

These carvings are magnificent. Thanks for sharing this site with us.

Lowell said...

Another marvel of human engineering and skill from long ago. Amazing!

carol l mckenna said...

Always fascinating to visit ~ Fantastic photography!

Carol of (A Creative Habor) on blogger ^_^

Joy said...

Looking at it from the distance of the first photo I would never have imagined that there were such treasures inside.

Sudhir R said...

Waiting to go there! Nice details Rajesh!

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the grand craftsmanship.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Enchanting.

Catching up with ABC Wednesday entries on Valentine's day!

Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Anonymous said...

Durga is cool

Initiated Kiss

My Unfinished Life said...

a nice photo journey for me....

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/

Leovi said...

Yes, I like that certainly impressive cave, a marvel of art.

Pearl Maple said...

wow that is an amazing place to visit, thanks for taking us on tour with you and sharing so much about the region

Marie said...

Amazing place! Would love to visit this someday! :)

Karen said...

Always so much to see in your photos! Great shots.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful details.

Hopping from Mellow Yellow MOnday.
Your comment is always appreciated!

Jannibele said...

Wow, hos amazing! Never been there! Thanks for showing me. Have to come back to India son. It's been 20 years since I was there....

RNSANE said...

I never cease to be amazed by the incredible treasures in India. I hope to see this one someday. I pray I get back to India this year.

My Monday Mellow Yellows is at:

http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2013/02/monday-mellow-yellows-yellow-scooters.html

w0rkingAth0mE said...

amazing creations, visiting from MMY

Unknown said...

Loved the Ganesha Carving