Kanheri Caves - Part 5

This is the fifth article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the first installment, I provided an overview of these caves, and in the second article, I covered Cave No. 1.

Adjacent to Cave No. 1 on the north side is Cave No. 2. Unlike the first cave, this one is a significant west-facing excavation 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. I covered the first stupa of this cave in my third article. The fourth episode provided details about the second stupa and the sculptures on the left wall of the third stupa. In this article, let me continue with the remaining parts of the third stupa of Cave No. 2.

(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.)

On the right wall, there are four Buddha panels. They are not symmetrical in size. The second Buddha panel from the left side is the smallest among the four. Though the other three panels are comparatively larger, they are not of the same height or coordination.

All Buddha figures are shown standing in almost similar postures. Buddha is depicted in a frontal posture, with one arm in Varada mudra (boon-giving posture) and the other arm holding a lotus stalk. Buddha is shown with elongated earlobes, a common feature in Buddhist art, and a serene facial expression. The details of the carving include the folds of the robe and the texture of the hair, which is styled in the characteristic topknot (ushnisha). At the right foot of Buddha, there is a smaller carved figure, representing a devotee in a pose of worship and reverence. Two flying Vidyadharas holding flower garlands are seen above. 

The leftmost panel is slightly different. Here, Buddha is standing on a lotus, and below the lotus, four devotees can be seen.

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

This is Part 5 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

Part 3

Part 4

Happy travelling.