XVII. Remarks on certain Sculptures in the Cave Temples of Ellora

Abstract

It being deemed desirable that some explanation should accompany the interesting drawings, particularized in the preceding article on ancient Hindu sculptures from the Cave Temples of Ellora , made by Captain Grindlay, I hasten to fulfil the wishes of the council. There are two modes by which they might receive illustration: one, supposing them to contain an astronomical allusion, as suggested by Dr. B. G. Babington; the other, from an allegory in the Hindu theogonies. A knowledge of the relative position of these sculptures in the Cave Temple would materially influence my decision on this point, as regards the two plates to which I shall chiefly confine my observations, viz . one, (No. 1) which I designate “The Fable of Dacsha Prajapati, or Mahadeva, Dacsha, and Nanda;” the other (No. 2) Vira-Bhadra.” If these sculptures are contiguous to each other in the cave, then I have no doubt they represent the fable of the sacrifice of Sati, the consort of Mahadeva, and the formation of the giant Vira-Bhadra, to revenge her death by that of Dacsha: though even this allegory may possibly conceal an astronomical period.