This post is the second in series with the previous post that I submitted for caves numbering (1,2,5,10,13 and 14).
Cave No. 15: I was not able to take photos of each sculpture in this cave and have tried to name correctly almost each of them which I took. The cave temple locally known as "Dasavatara Cave" because of the various incarnations of Vishnu depicted here belongs to circa [approximately] 8th century A.D. The whole temple is planned on a grand scale, executed on elevated platform and entered through a rock-cut gateway, which leads to a courtyard. At the middle of courtyard is small raised square hall called Natya Mandapa (Hall of Dance), containing the famous inscription of Dantidurga, a Rashtrakut ruler (758-756 A.D.).
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| Rock Cut Gateway |
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| NatyaMandap Front View |
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NatyaMandap Top View
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The main structure is double storied. The ground floor has massive, square sectioned pillars with four cells, and is plain and devoid of any sculpture. The upper floor is dedicated to Lord Siva.
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| Lord Shiva |
The sanctum [a sacred or holy place] door is very beautifully carved and is guarded by two huge doorkeepers.
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| Doorkeeper on Right |
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| Doorkeeper on Left |
The columns on the front line are adorned with delicate designs of pots and foliage.
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| Columns With Delicate Designs |
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| Unidentified |
In the huge pillared hall is Nandi (Vehicle of Siva) seated majestically.
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| Majestic Nandi |
Will post the details of Cave No. 16 (the final cave that I visited during my Augrangabad visit) in my next post.
