female figures of ellora

The ancient (5~10th cent. AD) rock-cut caves of Ellora were oblivious to the outside world for several centuries – until they were redisovered in the early 19th century. In these caves are the goddesses, frozen in time, assuming their ultimate postures in the form of sculptures …

Cave 29. Parvati.
The brahminical caves of Ellora are Siva-centric and hence figures of his consort, Parvati, are seen in various forms. When she is with Siva, she appears homely and bashful. As an independent goddess, she is seen slaying the demons.

parvati with siva at cave 29, ellora

The female figures of Ellora – with small faces, firm and full breasts, narrow waist, wide hips and long thighs – are a treat for the eye and the senses. These sculptures follow certain guidelines for body proportions (iconometry). The iconometric texts suggest that the outer corners of the eyes, the breasts and hips should be slightly exaggerated than the actual measurement. The close set breasts should press each other tightly that even a lotus fibre could not pass through them. The vulva should be shaped like the leaf of the sacred fig tree. Most of the female figures, use diaphanous (thin and transparent) drapery which reveals all their charms, the beauty of every curve, even of the genitals.

parvati at cave 29, ellora

marriage of parvati and siva at cave 29, ellora

Cave 21. Ganga
Ganga the river goddess, who flows into Siva’s locks, completes the ultimate union. Here the goddess is standing with a slight sway of the hip and a balanced, graceful dwibhanga (two-bent-pose). She is riding on the makara, her vehicle (a mythical sea-creature). The figure is sparingly ornamented. Her hair is decorated with a tiara (jewelled headdress). Her breasts are high and pressing each other, with a tassel which comes down almost up to the navel.

River Goddess Ganga with Makara at Cave 21, Ellora

Cave 29. Yamuna
Probably the biggest female figure carved at Ellora. Yamuna is standing on the kurma, which is a turtle and her vehicle.

River Goddess Yamuna with Kurma at Cave 29, Ellora

Cave 29.

Female Figure at Cave 29, Ellora

Cave 32. Siddhayika
Siddhayika the Jain goddess seated under a mango tree ~ emphasizing her fertlity. Near her feet is her vehicle, the lion.

Siddhayika at Cave 32, Ellora

Reference:
Kakde, V.T., 1979: The Female Figure in the Art of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves, PhD Thesis, Nagpur University.

14 Responses

  1. rocksea says:

    sibi, nisha, 🙂

    nisha: do post them, would like to see whatever i have missed at ellora.

  2. Nisha says:

    Well researched article on females of Ellora. I have taken many pictures of them when I visited it last year, yet to post them.
    Thanks. It’s a reminder to me. 🙂

  3. Deepak says:

    Hi Rocksea,
    Thanks for this article. I think similar style of depicting godess with exaggerated features exists in several temples in South India particularly in Tamil Nadu. Similarly it is seen in the temples of Khajuraho. I stumbled across the collection of these snaps by an enthusiast Saurabh Saxena. If you have not seen this earlier, please do check out these

    Regards

    • rocksea says:

      hey deepak, thanks for linking to the khajuraho images and details posted by saurabh! it is a treasure. will be useful for our next dream visit to khajuraho 🙂

  4. sibi says:

    Interesting presentation backed by valuable data. Good research!

  5. Wish you all the best in your Ph.D research! Great pictures!

  6. Abhilash says:

    nice information Roxy

  7. sandeep says:

    i am reminded of a scene in ‘manichithrathazhu’ when mohanlal sees nagavalli’s portrait for the 1st time 🙂

    jokes apart … very informative article

  8. sub says:

    gr8 article…lovely pics 🙂

  9. Well researched article on the erotica at ellora, which was taken to its logical conclusion at Aihole, you can check out my blogspot. Kudos

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