Ellora Cave 6: Bhrkuti and Mahamayuri

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

Cave 6 was constructed about the 7th century. The main shrine and its antechamber are built into the back wall of the main hall. Within the main shrine is a statue of a Buddha sitting with legs pendent and forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Images of Bhrkuti and Mahamayuri are contained within niches in the side walls of the antechamber.
Bhrkuti has a high topknot and is adorned with a tall crown. An animal skin is draped over the left shoulder. The left arm extends to clasp a lotus that grows upwards from the ground. The right hand is broken; but through reference of similar statues, it is presumed that it would have held prayer beads.
Mahamayuri wears earrings, a necklace, an armlet, and a lower garment woven with jewels. Mahamayuri grasps peacock feathers in the right hand and a fruit in the left. The figure stands upon a lotus pedestal, and to the right is a peacock. Mahamayuri is considered a guardian deity who destroys venomous serpents and reverses poisons.