Buddhist Caves at Ellora

Buddhist Caves at Ellora

• The Buddhist caves at Ellora provide different stages of development in the fields of Buddhist iconography.
• The caves suggest the prevalence of the worship of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara on the site.
• The presence of female deities in the caves confirms that by the late sixth-early seventh centuries, the worship of female deities was not only introduced in Buddhist rites and rituals but also got a significant place.

Cave 5

• The cave has a peculiar architectural pattern that sheds light on monastic and educational architectural patterns in the rock-cut architecture.
• The cave has two triple-storeyed monasteries that are stunning examples of rock-cut architecture and bear testimony to its flourished state.

Cave 10

• The cave is the last example of Buddhist Caityagṛiha in the Deccan region and is a magnificent example of Buddhist rock-cut architecture showing an advanced stage of transformation from the early influence of wooden architecture.
• The cave has Buddha in bhūmisparśa mudrā on the first floor, surrounded by attendant Bodhisattvas.
• The inner walls have a depiction of Bodhisattvas topped by a group of seated Buddhas.
• Tārā and Jambhala can also be seen on the inner walls of the sanctum.
• The second floor has Buddha in bhūmisparśa mudrā flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas.
• The third floor has a grand pillared hall supported by 40 lofty pillars.
• Figures of Seven Mānuṣi Buddhas topped by caitya arches can be seen on the third floor.

Architecture and Iconography

• The site provides a panoramic view of different models of Buddhist monastic architecture.
• The architectural models attest that besides being a monastic establishment, this site also functions as an education centre.
• The Buddhist caves of Ellora offer important evidence of textual and image association.
• The stupa in the cave is elaborate and innovative, with the depiction of Buddha in pralambapādāsana and dharmacakrapravartana mudrā with Bodhisattvas and vidyādharas.
• The vaulted roof is supported by rock-cut ribs and rafters emerging from the nāga busts.

Inscriptions and Dates

• The balcony of the cave has an inscription that reads, ‘All things proceed from cause; this cause has been declared by Tathāgata (Buddha); all things will cease to exist; that is, that which is declared by the Great Śramaṇa (Buddha).’
• Palaeographically, this Buddhist creed has been dated to around the 10th century CE.