Browse Items (154 total)
- Collection: Religious Sites in Maharashtra
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Ellora, Ganapati Temple, archway entrance
This archway marks the entrance to the Ganapati Temple grounds: A holy temple to Shri Vinayaka Ganapati.
Ellora, Ganapati Temple, inner sanctum doorway
The small inner shrine of the temple is set off from the rest of the temple by this decorated doorway. Devotees ring the bell to announce their presence to the god and then step over the door frame to perform their puja and receive darshan. Barely…
Ellora, Ganapati Temple, rat vehicle
The rat is the vehicle of Ganapati, reflecting the god's ability to overcome all obstacles. Ganapati is revered as the god of good fortune and prosperity, as well as the lord of beginnings.
Ellora, Jain Caves, Adinatha, first tirthankara
The Jain religious tradition traces its origins to the first jina or conqueror, Adinatha, whose name means the original lord. Adinatha is accepted as the first of 24 tirthankaras, human beings who conquered desire and anger to reach a state of…
Ellora, Jain Caves, elephant
This majestic and huge elephant stands at the entrance to the most complex of the Jain caves. Elephants are associated with royalty and power.
Ellora, Jain Caves, entrance to the Mahavira shrine
This shrine to Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara, is set within a very large cave with exquisite carvings of several of the 24 tirthankaras.
Ellora, Jain Caves, yaksha guardian
All tirthankaras are depicted with a yaksha (male earth spirit) and yakshini (female). This yaksha, probably Matanga who is associated with Mahavira, guards one side of a large balcony entrance to the cave's expansive second floor with a central…
Ellora, Jain Caves, Yaksha's elephant seat
The yaksha guardian, Matanga, sits on a grand elephant who has knelt to offer his back as a seat for the yaksha. The sculptor has placed a lotus bud in the trunk of the elephant to show his docile nature in the presence of this yaksha protector.
Ellora, Jain Caves, Yaksha Elephant detail
Held in the trunk of the elephant is a lotus symboliizing spiritual pursuits and a gentle nature. Placing this lotus in the trunk of this wild and powerful beast, the sculptor may be commenting on the greater power of the Jain practice of…
Ellora, Jain Caves, yakshini guardian
Seated opposite her male counterpart, this protective yakshini, Siddhayika, acts as an entrance protector to the second floor shrine to Mahavira. She sits on a lion under the canopy of a mango tree heavy with fruit. Identified with the fertility of…