Ellora Cave 12: Seated Buddhas

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

These two sets of seven Buddhas are found on both sides of the back wall in the hall on the third story of Cave 12. All of them are seated in full lotus position upon double lotus thrones.
Located on the left side of the back wall are the Seven Buddhas of the Past, namely Vipasyin, Sikhin, Visvabhu, Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, Kasyapa, and Sakyamuni. Their facial features and postures are identical, with hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. There are two apsaras and a leafy tree canopy above each Buddha. The Dirgha Agama states the names of the respective trees beneath which the Seven Buddhas of the Past sat in meditation and achieved enlightenment, namely the patala, sundari, sala, sirisa, udumbara, banyan, and pipal trees. The distinctive leaves of each of these trees are represented in the carvings.
On the right side of the wall, seven Buddhas are all depicted forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Two apsaras support a canopy above the head of each Buddha.