Buddha and Deities, Buddhist Cave 3, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India
This sculpted panel is from Cave 3 at Ellora which is an unfinished vihara - buddhist cave.
Why were Viharas built? Monks approached Buddha to request creating a special vihara for temporary stay during the rainy season - originally they were expected to cross flooded rivers roaming from village to village - Buddha agreed and viharas were built for monks - it was then termed as ‘varsha-vasa’- over period of time they were used foremost for year around stay for senior or old monks and centuries later they became the temporary abode or a place for residential learning for buddhist monks.
Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?
