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Most famous of the Buddhist caves is a chaitya hall (chandrashala) or 'Vishwakarma cave', popularly known as the 'Carpent Indiaer's Cave'. Beyond its multi-storeyed entry is a cathedral-like stupa hall also known as chaitya, 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.

Buddhist Cave Temple at Ellora, Interior

Most famous of the Buddhist caves is a chaitya hall (chandrashala) or 'Vishwakarma cave', popularly…

The Brahmin cave-temples are, as a rule, open in front, and are sometimes connected with an independent structure hewn out of the solid rock. A, Entrance; B, Rock-Temple; C, Small shrine.

Cave-Temple of Dumas-Syna at Ellora

The Brahmin cave-temples are, as a rule, open in front, and are sometimes connected with an independent…

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of asceticism &ndash; they are not relatively large as compared to others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. The most remarkable Jain shrines are the <em>Chhota Kailash</em> (cave 30), the <em>Indra Sabha</em> (cave 32) and the <em>Jagannath Sabha</em> (cave 33). The <em>Indra Sabha</em> is a two storeyed shrine with a very fine carving of the lotus flower on the ceiling. In another cave, an imposing image of Ambika, the Yakshi (dedicated attendant deity) of Neminatha is found seated on her lion under a mango tree, laden with fruits. All other Jain caves are also characterized by intricate detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings - fragments of which are still visible.

Interior of Indra Sabha at Ellora

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense…

Kailash Temple, also Kailasanatha Temple or Kylas Temple, is one of the 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, that were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora, Maharashtra, India, and represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. It was carved out of one single rock. The Kailash Temple is notable for its vertical excavation — carvers started at the top of the original rock, and excavated downward, exhuming the temple out of the existing rock. The traditional methods were rigidly followed by the master architect which could not have been achieved by excavating from the front.

Kailash Temple

Kailash Temple, also Kailasanatha Temple or Kylas Temple, is one of the 34 monasteries and temples,…

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of asceticism &ndash; they are not relatively large as compared to others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. The most remarkable Jain shrines are the <em>Chhota Kailash</em> (cave 30), the <em>Indra Sabha</em> (cave 32) and the <em>Jagannath Sabha</em> (cave 33). The <em>Indra Sabha</em> is a two storeyed shrine with a very fine carving of the lotus flower on the ceiling. In another cave, an imposing image of Ambika, the Yakshi (dedicated attendant deity) of Neminatha is found seated on her lion under a mango tree, laden with fruits. All other Jain caves are also characterized by intricate detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings - fragments of which are still visible.

Indian Pillar at Ellora

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense…

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of asceticism &ndash; they are not relatively large as compared to others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. The most remarkable Jain shrines are the <em>Chhota Kailash</em> (cave 30), the <em>Indra Sabha</em> (cave 32) and the <em>Jagannath Sabha</em> (cave 33). The <em>Indra Sabha</em> is a two storeyed shrine with a very fine carving of the lotus flower on the ceiling. In another cave, an imposing image of Ambika, the Yakshi (dedicated attendant deity) of Neminatha is found seated on her lion under a mango tree, laden with fruits. All other Jain caves are also characterized by intricate detailing. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings - fragments of which are still visible.

Indian Pillar from the Rock Temple of Parasona Rama at Ellora

Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense…