Ellora Caves 17 to 20

Overview of Cave 17 to 20

Ellora Caves 17 to 20 are north of Kailasa Cave Temple and across a deep gorge. You can find these caves at Ellora, along with 17 others like them, making them fascinating places to visit in Ellora Caves. Ellora Caves 17 to 20 showcase intricate carvings, Dravidian architectural elements, and stunning depictions of Hindu deities.

Cave 17

The next colossal cave north of Kailasa Temple is Shiva-dedicated Cave 17. Decorated doorways and pillars distinguish the cave. It features three rows of four pillars along the front and rear aisles. Enter through a projecting porch. This leads to a columned hall and linga sanctuary with a corridor.

The inner pair features deep brackets with female figurines and dwarf attendants, while the extreme front pillars are square with bracket capitals. Cushion capitals featuring feminine figures are in the next row's middle pair. The middle pillars of the following row have a broken square base with female figurines on the prominent faces and males on each side.

The shrine entrance is unabashedly Dravidian. Dwarapalas carry flowers with two hands and are accompanied by dwarfs and Gandharvas. A massive pedestal and rotting linga are within. Doors on each side of the shrine lead to the pradakshinapath. The side walls have Ganesha, Durga, and Vishnu carvings, making it a must-see spot for those exploring Ellora Caves tour packages.

Cave 18

Small rock-cut Cave 18 is near Ellora's more enormous caverns. Though more straightforward than its neighbours, it follows the architectural style of the time. A modest entrance with a rock-cut veranda suggests the cave was a monastic meditation or prayer chamber.

Cave 18 features a few sculptures of standing and seated Buddhas. Although some sculptures have corroded, their fragments show rich artistry and meaningful gestures. Simple caves allow tourists to see the difference between modest meditation areas and Ellora's grandiose temples.

Cave 19

Cave 19 is another Ellora Buddhist rock-cut architecture. A small entryway leads to an internal chamber that may have been a monastery or monks' resting area. The cave features simple walls and a basic construction in the vihara style, stressing the use of beauty.

Buddhist symbols are evident on the cave walls despite its lack of sculpture. The figures show the Buddha in meditation positions, representing enlightenment and spirituality. The cave's minimalism emphasizes its commitment and research.

Cave 20

Cave 20 is more ornate than other Buddhist caves. A carved entry with a modest porch leads to a central hall. The cave shows the monks' basic yet effective living and religious quarters.

Relief sculptures show Buddhist deities and Buddha's life. Several panels portray Bodhisattvas, enlightened creatures who lead others to redemption. Though worn, the artwork emphasizes spiritual concepts and Buddhist teachings and showcases period artistry.