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Young World
In stone
D.B.N. MURTHY
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The stone sculptures at Ellora are breathtakingly beautiful.
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Ellora: Caves that tell a story.
If only stone sculptures could talk, we would have great stories! Kailas temple among the Ellora cave temples, dedicated to Shiva, wasdeclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is a Nandi in front of the temple and an intricately carved dwajastamba. On either side of the main temple walls are panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
In the caves
Ellora, was first established by Buddhists who fashioned the caves to form Chaityas, halls of worship and Viharas, monasteries where monks could stay, study, meditate and pray. Caves one to 12, belong to the Mahayana phase of Buddhism.
Bodhisatva is the dominant figure for worship with its elaborate head dress and jewellery. There are celestial figures too, which form the Jataka tales associated with the Buddha. In some caves there are two tiers with intricate carvings of Buddha at the upper level.
It is interesting to note that the Hindu caves resemble the Buddhist caves but for the interior depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Cave numbers 13 to 29 are next to the Buddhist caves and in the middle of the rock hill.
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