Vishnu on the ceiling of the mukhamantapa
This finely-carved bas-relief adorns the ceiling of the mukhamantapa (porch) of Cave 3, the third of the four rock-cut caves of Badami in Karnataka, India.
As you can see, there are two concentric circular panels enclosed by a square panel. Carved into the innermost circular panel is a relief depicting Vishnu with four arms, one of which carries the Sudarshana Chakra (disc-like weapon) and the other a shanka(conch).
Filling the space between the outer and inner circular panels are the eight circular frames, likely carved with the Ashtadikpalas (Guardians of the eight directions). Some of them are identifiable, including Indra (riding an elephant), Kubera, Varuna (riding Makara), Agni (riding a ram), and Nirtti (riding a horse).
Covering the space between the outer circular panel and the square panel is beautiful artwork depicting foliage spewed by Makara.
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
Other Related Pages from YatrikaOne
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A magnificent temple Dedicated to Vishnu
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – A masterpiece of Hoysala temple art
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha exterior wall
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
– Angkor Wat – A grandiose temple complex originally dedicated to Vishnu
– Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat Bas-Reliefs, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei
– Phnom Kulen, Tonle’ Sap, Cambodia
– Bali, Prambanan, Prambanan Bas-reliefs, Borobudur, Indonesia
Copyright © 2019 – 2026 by YatrikaOne. All rights reserved.
