Aurangabad Cave 7: Portico

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

Numerous reliefs line the walls of the portico. Most notable are the two massive figures which stand nearly the height of the wall and flank the entrance. They face forwards and have round faces and thick lips. Their shoulders and waists are broad, implying strength and power.
The main sculpture on the left wall of the entrance is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Above the Bodhisattva are two apsaras and a pair of seated Buddhas forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The eight small reliefs on the two sides illustrate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Rescuing People from the Eight Dangers.
The Bodhisattva on the right beside the entrance wears a tall headdress and stands in the tribhanga posture. To each side of the figure from top to bottom are mithuna couples, flying apsaras, and a male and female attendant. The facial features and presentation of the figures derive from the Gupta style. The clouds surrounding the apsaras are an unusual motif in contemporary carvings.