Kanheri Caves - Part 9

This is the ninth article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the previous installments, I introduced the caves and detailed the features of Cave No. 1 and Cave No. 2. In this article, I will begin exploring Cave No. 3.

Cave No. 3, also referred to as the Chaitya Cave, faces west and lies to the north of Cave No. 2. It is the most frequently visited and extensively documented cave among the Kanheri group. This Chaitya Cave stands out as the largest and most architecturally sophisticated structure in Kanheri, closely resembling the renowned Karla Caves in style and layout.

The west-facing cave opens into a spacious courtyard at the front, accessed through a gateway flanked by two low parapet walls. These walls are adorned with intricate carvings, including an animal frieze at their base and an ornamental rail pattern above. The rail pattern features circular motifs, mimicking the appearance of wooden fencing. The animal frieze depicts a variety of animals, including elephants, camels, and even double-humped camels, adding a unique charm. Beneath the animal frieze lies another decorative band of carvings featuring circular motifs enclosed within rectangular panels, resembling lotus medallions. Interspersed within these motifs are human figures, each with one arm raised in amazement and the other resting on the waist, adding a dynamic and expressive element to the design.

At the inner ends of the parapet walls stand two slightly large figures of Dwarapalas, or door guardians. Each figure is depicted with one arm resting on the waist while the other arm is raised. Unfortunately, the upper parts of their raised arms and their heads have been lost to time.

At the southern end of the wall, a striking sculpture of a Naga is prominently featured. This figure is set within a deep niche, framed by two circular pilasters. Above the niche’s jamb, smaller carvings—now heavily eroded—once added to its grandeur. The central figure, likely a Naga, is distinguished by a three-hooded serpent above his head, a symbol of his semi-divine nature. The figure stands in a relaxed yet confident posture, with both legs evenly balanced. His left arm rests on his waist, while his right hand holds what appears to be a lotus medallion. The lower part of his body is simply draped, with minimal clothing and jewelry, reflecting elegance and simplicity in his appearance.

Having explored the features of the cave's entrance, we shall now step inside to discover its interior treasures, which I will elaborate on in the next episode.

Happy travelling.

This is Part 9 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

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8