Ellora Cave 12: Buddha Triads

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

These Buddha triads are located within the hall on the third story of Cave 12. The hall inside the cave contains a total of 40 columns arranged in five rows of eight. Nine Buddha niches are spaced between the columns along the side walls. Within each niche is a Buddha accompanied by attendant Bodhisattvas. The figures within all nine niches are carved in high relief to human scale. Four of the niches contain Buddhas with legs pendent, their hands forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra, while the other five Buddhas are seated in full lotus position and form the Dharmacakra, bhumisparsa (earth-touching), or dhyana (meditation) mudras. Their diamond thrones are decorated with various animals and sacred objects.
The Buddha featured here is seated with legs pendent on a square diamond throne. A makara and a lion are carved on the throne, and two apsaras are depicted above the Buddha. The flanking attendant Bodhisattvas are Vajrapani and Avalokitesvara. They stand facing each other on the side walls of the niche, with their hair piled into high topknots.