Closely on the heels of cave 1 comes cave 2 after climbing 60 and odd steps. Known for strength and rigidity the bright red sandstones are testament to timelessness.
The front edge of the platform is decorated with images of pot-bellied dwarfs in various poses. The veranda is supported by four pillars. Top of each pillar is carved with a bracket in the shape of a yali, a mythical lion-like creature. The door keepers of Vaikunta Jaya and Vijaya's statues stand tall at the entrance to the porch.
On the right wall is the sculpture of Trivikrama. This is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Bali Chakravarthi, grandson of Prahlada and great grandson of Hiranyakashipu had the power to defeat Indra, king of gods. He was the ultimate authority over three worlds, heaven, earth, and netherworld. He attained this merit from a great deal of penance. Unsecured by this gods pleaded with Lord Vishnu for protection; hence he descended as dwarf, Vamana. During a yajna, Vamana approached him and Bali promised him a boon. So, he asked for small strip of land three feet measured by his feet. Despite warnings from Sage Shukracharya Bali agreed to oblige and the dwarf then changed his size to that of a giant or Trivikrama. He stepped over heaven in his first stride, and the netherworld with the second. Bali offered his head as a third place for Vamana to keep his foot. Pleased by Bali's devotion Vishnu made him the ruler of Netherworld, granting him immortality. Being Prahlada's grandson also worked in favor of Bali.
On the left wall of the porch is the figure of Varaha, third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyaksha, brother of Hiranyakashipu abducted Bhudevi (Mother Earth) captivating her in netherworld. Vishnu in order to protect Bhudevi takes the form of wild boar. He rigged the earth with hoofs, entering seas. He carried Bhudevi with his massive tusks to the surface. A battle ensued between two and in the end Hiranyaksha was slayed by Varaha. Infact Varaha was the symbolic emblem of Chalukya Empire, which was later adapted by Vijayanagar dynasty.
A swasthika pattern of rare kind is carved on the ceiling in such a way that it is impossible to find out the starting or end point. The matsya chakra (sixteen fish spoke) adorns the ceiling panel is another focal point, Matsya yet another incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Story of Krishna's childhood exploits as well as Samudra Manthana are sculpted magnificently. The decorated pillars are equally beautiful. Decorative medallions with Vidhyadhara couples and foliations on pillar-faces. Notice board says craftsmen Vachya, Buru, and Duttoja have signed their names over the facade of the cave; however, the guide failed to tell about this and we couldn't find it on our own either. Architecture of cave 2 is that of Northern Deccan style.
The sculptural legacy left by the Chalukyan artisans later inspired many South Indian temple architecture.
No comments:
Post a Comment