Ellora Cave 12: Eight Great Bodhisattvas

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

These eight Bodhisattvas flank the entrance to the shrine on the second story of Cave 12. Together with the Buddha and Bodhisattvas within the shrine, the statues form a three-dimensional mandala.
The eight Bodhisattvas, four on each side, all possess similar features and expressions. Each wears a tall headdress containing either a Buddha or stupa image, and their heads are encircled by oval nimbuses. Sacred threads run diagonally from their left shoulders to their waists, and their bodies are adorned with necklaces, bracelets, and other ornaments. The Bodhisattvas hold a long-stemmed lotus, a sword, a banner, a vajra, a palm leaf scripture, or a Dharma instrument. Two of the figures hold the object in both hands, while the other six use only the right hand, with the left hand being lowered near the waist.