Cave 5 at Ellora known as Maharwada Cave as it was used by local Mahar tribes people as shelter during monsoon. This cave is dated to 7th century AD. is a largest Vihara of the Buddhist group here. The cave was used probably as an assembly hall or for delivering lectures.
It has a grand assembly hall stretching 36m long supported by 24 massive pillars arranged in two rows from front to back dividing the hall into central nave and two side aisles.
The central nave is further divided into three passages by providing two rows of raised rock-cut benches, which run along the nave.
It has seventeen cells.The main shrine door is guarded by the usual Padmapani and Vajrapani. On the back wall of the shrine is carved Buddha figure seated in Pralambapadasana in Dharmachakrapravartana mudra.
It has a grand assembly hall stretching 36m long supported by 24 massive pillars arranged in two rows from front to back dividing the hall into central nave and two side aisles.
The central nave is further divided into three passages by providing two rows of raised rock-cut benches, which run along the nave.
It has seventeen cells.The main shrine door is guarded by the usual Padmapani and Vajrapani. On the back wall of the shrine is carved Buddha figure seated in Pralambapadasana in Dharmachakrapravartana mudra.
Oh. I forgot that I can't have the photo enlarged on a separate page. I really wanted to see the meeting hall closer. I'm a little concerned about the ceiling. =D
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these wonders!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Really amazing place !
ReplyDeleteIt would be wonderful to visit sometime !
Great photos !
Awesome tour of the cave.. I like the Buddha carving.. Thank you for sharing your visit. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteA fascinating glimpse into the past.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place. Good to know it's there in case it's needed.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing cave, great captures.
ReplyDeleteWhat exquisite carving in this cave.
ReplyDeleteWow! This rock-cute cave is amazing in length and depth... Great photos
ReplyDeleteThat hall is huge!
ReplyDeleteThat room is indeed massive. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful -- I always feel as if I had walked along with you .. your pictures are lovely.
ReplyDeleteA stunning and interesting place.
ReplyDeleteWow, very impressive.
ReplyDeleteanother good post.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do agree with Ela, an amazing place it is indeed! Wonderful captures for the day as always, Rajesh!! Have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, awesome !!!
ReplyDeleteWow ! that's very old and very interesting !
ReplyDeleteAlways fascinating photos of special historical places ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
as always, great detail
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday
How impressive are those caves and how inventive are people to create all those spaces for various means.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.
I am fascinated by all the underground architecture throughout the world.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting place to explore!
ReplyDeleteNice :) Ellora is already on my travel wish list :)
ReplyDeleteMine is abt Ellora too :)
ReplyDeletePhenoMenon, ABCW Team
http://throodalookingglass.com/2014/08/ellora/
Even I went there but couldn't take such awesome photos.. Nice post
ReplyDeleteAmazing captures :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful cave. Nice pics
ReplyDeleteI missed this place to visit :) Nice shots
ReplyDeleteGems of India. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteSo impressive!
DeleteGreat pics of a great place!
ReplyDelete