|
These
34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were
dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far
from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted
sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the
civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora
complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit
but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and
Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was
characteristic of ancient India.
All Images BY TENZIN PHULCHUNG (Copyright
reserved)
|
|
Ellora is an ancient village 30 km (18.6
miles) from the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of
Maharashtra. Famous for its monumental caves, Ellora is a World
Heritage Site.
Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock cut architecture.
The 34 "caves" – actually structures excavated out of the
vertical face of the Charanandri hills – comprised of Buddhist,
Hindu and Jain cave temples and monasteries, were built between
the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and
5 Jain caves, built in close proximity, demonstrate the
religious tolerance prevalent during this period of Indian
history.
Buddhist caves
The Buddhist caves were the earliest structures,
created between the fifth and seventh centuries. These consist
mostly of viharas or monasteries: large, multi-storeyed
buildings carved into the mountain face, including living
quarters, sleeping quarters, kitchens, etc.
Some of these monastery caves have shrines including carvings of
Buddha, bodhisattvas and saints. In many of these caves,
sculptors had endeavoured to give the stone the look of wood.
Most famous of the Buddhist caves is cave 10, a chaitya hall or
'Visvakarma' cave, popularly known as the "Carpenter's Cave".
Beyond its multi-storeyed entry is a cathedral-like stupa hall,
whose ceiling has been carved to give the impression of wooden
beams. At the heart of this cave is a 15 foot statue of Buddha
seated in a preaching pose.
The Hindu caves
The Hindu caves, constructed beginning in the 7th
century, represent a different style of creative vision and
execution skills. These are temples many carved from the top
down. Some were of such complexity that they required several
generations of planning and coordination to complete.
Cave 16, called The Kailasa or Kailasanatha Temple, is the
unrivalled centerpiece of Ellora. This gargantuan structure –
designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva –
looks like a freestanding, multi-storied temple complex, but it
was carved out of one single rock, and covers an area double the
size of Parthenon in Athens.
All the carvings are done in more than one level. A two-storeyed
gateway opens to reveal a U-shaped courtyard. The courtyard is
edged by columned galleries three stories high. The galleries
are punctuated by huge sculpted panels, and alcoves containing
enormous sculptures of a variety of deities. Originally flying
bridges of living stone connected these galleries to central
temple structures, but these have fallen.
Within the courtyard are two structures. As is traditional in
Shiva temples, an image of the sacred bull Nandii fronts the
central temple housing the lingam. In Cave 16, the Nandi Mandap
and main Shiva temple are each about 7 meters high, and built on
two stories. The lower stories of the Nandi Mandap are both
solid structures, decorated with elaborate illustrative
carvings. The base of the temple has been carved to suggest that
elephants are holding the structure aloft.
A living rock bridge connects the Nandi Mandap to
the porch of the temple. The temple itself is tall pyramidic
structure reminiscent of a South Indian temple. The shrine –
complete with pillars, windows, inner and outer rooms, gathering
halls, and an enormous lingam at its heart – carved from living
stone, is carved with niches, plasters, windows as well as
images of deities, mithunas (erotic male and female figures) and
other figures. Most of the deities at the left of the entrance
are Shaivaite (followers of Lord Shiva) while on the right hand
side the deities are Vaishnavaites (followers of Lord Vishnu).
There are two Dhvajastambhas (pillars with the flagstaff) in the
courtyard. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift
Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva, with his full might is a
landmark in Indian art.
The construction of this cave was a feat of human genius – it
entailed removal of 200,000 tonnes of rock, took 100 years to
complete.
"The temple is a splendid achievement of dravidian art. This
project was started by Krishna I (757- 773) of the Rashtrakuta
dynasty that ruled from Manyakheta in present day Karnataka
state. His rule had also spread to southern India, hence this
temple was excavated in the prevailing style. Its builders
modelled it on the lines of the Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal.
Being a south Indian style temple, it does not have a shikhara
common to north Indian temples". - The Guide to the Architecture
of the Indian Subcontinent, 1996, Takeo Kamiya, Japan Architects
Academy and Archeological Survey of India
Other notable Hindu caves include the Das Avatara cave, which
depicts the 10 incarnations of Vishnu, and the Ramesvara cave,
which has figurines of river goddesses at the entrance.
The Jain caves
Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain
philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of
asceticism – they are not relatively large as compared to
others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. For
example, the 32nd cave is a shrine with a very fine carving of
the lotus flower on the ceiling. In another cave, an imposing
yakshi is seated on her lion under a mango tree, laden with
fruits. All other Jain caves are also characterised by intricate
detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the
ceilings - fragments of which are still visible.The town of
Elora, Ontario, Canada is named after the Caves. |
