Kanheri Caves - Part 3

This is the third article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the first installment, I provided an overview of these caves. I wrote about Cave No. 1 in my second article. I am covering Cave No. 2 in this article.

Right next to Cave No. 1 on north side, the Cave No. 2 is located. Unlike the first cave, is a significant excavation facing west, consisting of a vihara and three stupas. The three stupas are housed in separate chambers distinct from the vihara, making them appear as detached chaityas. Evidence suggests a large wooden roof once covered the stupas and vihara, as indicated by mortise holes on the front façade.

(For the benefit of beginners: a stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics, typically the remains of Buddhist monks, used as a place of meditation. A chaitya is a place of worship, and a vihara is a dwelling place for monks.)

The first stupa on the viewer's right is remarkably well-preserved, with its harmika still attached to the original rock above. This harmika, which is stepped, surrounds the spire (yasti) that rises from the top of the dome. The harmika symbolizes heaven and represents the connection between the earthly and celestial realms. Topping the harmika is the chatra (umbrella), consisting of umbrella-like discs stacked atop the spire, representing the spiritual authority of Buddha’s teachings.

(For the benefit of beginners: the harmika, positioned atop the stupa dome, is a stone fence or railing that encloses a square area symbolizing the sacred domain of the Gods. At the harmika's center, a yasti, or pole, corresponds to the axis of the universe. Three stone disks, each with different meanings, crown the yasti.)

On the back wall of the chamber, there is a sculptural panel depicting Buddha seated on a throne supported by two lions. He is shown with his legs hanging down and his arms in vyakhana mudra. (Vyakhana mudra is a symbolic hand gesture where the tips of the thumb and index finger meet, with the other fingers extended and the palm facing the spectator.) Accompanying him are two chauri-bearers, one holding a rod. In the top corners, two flying Gandharvas, a type of celestial being, carry flower garlands.

The throne rests above a lotus whose stalk is held by two Nagas (semi-serpent beings) at the bottom. Behind the Nagas, two devotees can be seen.

Though not entirely clear, it appears that Buddha is holding a lotus stalk, suggesting he is Padmapani Avalokiteshvara.

(For beginners: A Bodhisattva is a person on the path to Buddhahood or awakening. According to various Mahayana sources, a Bodhisattva progresses through various stages (bhūmis) of spiritual development. The most common list of bhumis, found in the Daśabhūmikasūtra, consists of ten stages. Avalokiteśvara is a tenth-level Bodhisattva associated with great compassion (mahakaruṇā). If he holds a lotus, he is called Padmapani Avalokiteshvara.)

This panel is a later addition, likely from the Mahayana period.

Let me continue with the remaining parts of Cave No. 2 in my next episode.

This is Part 3 of the series of articles on Kanheri Caves. If you are interested to read the earlier parts of the series, click the links below.

Part 1

Part 2

Happy travelling.