Thursday, September 6, 2012

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.

33 comments:

Al said...

What amazing stonework. That first shot made me think of very large Ethernet connections (I just hooked up a new modem to get higher-speed internet so was looking at them).

SandyCarlson said...

The divine mothers are incredible confident and beautiful and feminine.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Imposing. Marvelous really. Quite a treasure trove your blog is.

Anonymous said...

Awesome it is ......superb clicks and the narration too ....Great work

Bikram said...

wonderful pictures on the topic Wonderful :)


Bikram's

joo said...

Beautiful sculptures!

Kati said...

Wonderful indeed!

Jeevan said...

Great one the wall sculptures! The mandabam resembles one of mandabas in Mamallpuram.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous carvings!

Lowell said...

You have a lot of gods looking out for you against the forces of evil...and this fact is so often pictured in this carvings. Fascinating!

Panchali said...

Exciting...I have been there. The place indeed has a lot of history :)
Thanks for sharing..

Unknown said...

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

HansHB said...

Nice sky-post!

Judy said...

I haven't seen anything comparable to this temple carved from the living rock!! Amazing workmanship!!

Sylvia K said...

Another fascinating and beautiful temple and lovely blue skies! Terrific captures and history, Rajesh! Thanks as always for sharing these with us!

Photo Cache said...

these are precious carvings.

Carver said...

I like the plain entrance and also like the more intricate work inside.

Anonymous said...

Wow!Another beautiful cave temple.

Leovi said...

That cave - temple is really nice, great pictures.

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice architecture.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

Magia da Inês said...

彡♡` Olá, amigo!

Grandiosidade da arquitetura e das esculturas.

Lindo dia!
Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil ♡彡.
¸.•°`♥✿⊱╮

George said...

Thanks for sharing another interesting cave temple with us.

eden said...

Great shots.

Anonymous said...

What can I say...amazing.
The history of your country is...amazing :)

genie said...

This cave really does look like a cave and the sculptures are awesome. The idea of having the old temples in caves is such an interesting one for me. Once again, thanks for the wonderful history lesson. genie

Lighthousegal said...

Your photos are always of the most amazing temples and buildings with amazing detailed carvings. Awesome shots.

Chubby Chieque said...

Hello Rajesh,

Through your posts, I been loving your country and learn more than my World history.

TY for sharing.

Enjoy your SSS2 day and have a blissful day.
/Chie

Fashion Momma said...

These are amazing.

My blues are here and here.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Your photos is always fascinating. Visiting from Shadow Shot.

LV said...

If these cave could talk,what great stories you would hear.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship.

maria said...

Impressive! Thanks for sharing. Happy RT2.

Mine's here.

magiceye said...

Beautifully captured!!