Ravana ka Khai Cave, Ellora

This cave numbered 14 in Ellora has a very plain looking exterior facade when compared to splendid interiors decorated with sculptures. This cave measuring 13 X 9 m is popularly known as Ravana ka khai (Ashes of Ravana) because of the sculpture of Ravana shaking the Kailasa.

The sidewalls of the main hall are scooped into several compartments containing the sculptural compositions of Hindhu Mythology. The emphasis on female divinities is amplified in this cave by the large images of Durga at either end of the front aisle. In one such sculpture Goddess Durga is standing with her foot upon her lion.

The wall of the hall also contains a panel of seven divine mothers. The Seven Mothers, attended by Virabhadra at the left and Ganesaha with the deadly goddess Kali at his right, appear at the far end of the ambulatory passage.

The disposition of the panels show Vaishnava theme on one side and Shaiva theme on the other showing religious harmony. There is beautiful sculpture of Varha rescuing Earth in one of the wall compartments.

Varaha rescuing the Earth Goddess is pressing his foot down on the roiling underwater forces. As Nagas offer praise, she rests with ease against his snout, using one of his hands as a pedestal.