LORD KAILASANATH OF ELAPURA

THE BUDDHIST CAVES

The Buddhist caves are called Dhedavada caves and are built between 350-550 AD. The name Dhedavada, as some opine is the corrupt form of Theravara standing for the place of Theras - the Buddhist teachers. The cave No.1 is a vihara having 8 cells for the monks to live in. The second with flight of steps has a verandah and dvarapalakas. It has a spacious hall for worship. At the back is installed all-foot-high image of Buddha in sitting posture. The galleries in front have beautiful decorated pillars. The third is vihara with a chapel at the north and enshrines the image of Buddha, seated on a lotus. The fifth is again a vihara, where the image is seated under a bow tree. It is called Dhedavada and the largest among the single storeyed viharas. It was probably used as assembly hall. Next important cave is No.10 called by the name of Viswakarma cave. It is a chaitya with a huge open court in the front. It was a favourite place for carpenters who worshipped Lord Buddha and Viswakarma as their patrons. It is magnificent in adornments and proportion that art critics like Ferguson and Burgess praised it in fine diction. It has a flight of steps and is adorned with five pillars and many figures.

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