Saturday, July 30, 2016

Jain cave temples Ellora, India


   Jain Cave temple 32 

This post combines together the cave temples 32 to 34 that belongs to the Jain group of cave temples in Ellora. These cave temples date back to the 9th and 10th century AD, and belong to the Digambar sect of Jainism. The caves 32 to 34 are interconnected, you can easily do the three caves in one go, and they are worth it.My earlier posts were on the Buddhist group and the Brahmanical group of cave temples in Ellora.

These cave temples are a must visit not only for the sculptures, but for the carvings on the pillars and walls, the beautiful and detailed work, and remnants of beautiful paintings that you may chance upon.

My next post will be on the paintings on the walls and ceilings of the Jain cave temples. Most of them are damaged, and many of them are not so clear, I wish I had seen them in their glory!



















Matanga, God of wealth on the left above,and Ambica, Goddess of prosperity on the right. Matanga was earlier incorrectly identified as Indra and that is why locally this was known as Indra sabha.







Jain cave temples Ellora, India


   Jain Cave temple 32 

This post combines together the cave temples 32 to 34 that belongs to the Jain group of cave temples in Ellora. These cave temples date back to the 9th and 10th century AD, and belong to the Digambar sect of Jainism. The caves 32 to 34 are interconnected, you can easily do the three caves in one go, and they are worth it.My earlier posts were on the Buddhist group and the Brahmanical group of cave temples in Ellora.

These cave temples are a must visit not only for the sculptures, but for the carvings on the pillars and walls, the beautiful and detailed work, and remnants of beautiful paintings that you may chance upon.

My next post will be on the paintings on the walls and ceilings of the Jain cave temples. Most of them are damaged, and many of them are not so clear, I wish I had seen them in their glory!



















Matanga, God of wealth on the left above,and Ambica, Goddess of prosperity on the right. Matanga was earlier incorrectly identified as Indra and that is why locally this was known as Indra sabha.







Saturday, July 9, 2016

Ellora; The Artistic Buddhist cave 10 (The Vishwakarma)

In continuation to my earlier post on,
Ancient Ellora Cave temples; Ravan Ki Khai (cave 14) and Dasavatara (cave 15) cave temples, today's post is on Buddhist caves in Ellora.

This double storied Vishwakarma (Cave 10), Buddhist cave in Ellora dates back to the 7th century AD. The construction on the roof, the stone ribs, almost look like they are wooden ... so artistic.

This is the only Buddhist cave in Ellora to have a  prayer hall with a Stupa.

This cave has beautiful carvings, and is one of the most visited Buddhist caves in Ellora.


Entrance to Cave 10


The roof is carved out of stone 
Carvings 


Structures on the pillars


Upper story of Cave 10


Another Buddhist cave next to cave 10
The entrance of another Buddhist cave
next to cave 10