Swastika patterns and the Samudra Manthana frieze
The recessed stone ceiling shown in the image is part of the mukhamantapa (verandah) of Cave 2, the second of the four rock-cut caves carved out of a soft sandstone hill near Badami in Karnataka, India.
As seen in the image, the stone ceiling is carved with a maze-like pattern formed by four swastikas, and at the center of this pattern is a lotus medallion. The swastika symbol is sacred to religions originated in India, i.e., Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and are carved in many religious monuments in India and Southeast Asia. A similar pattern is found at the Durga Temple at Aihole. Check this page: Jālandhara carved with the swastika and lotus flower patterns.
The beam below this ceiling (at the far end of the image) is carved with a relief that depicts the Samudra Manthana story. Check the Angkor War Bas-Reliefs page for a detailed explanation of this story.
This is one of the two mukhamantapa ceilings carved with the swastika-like patterns, which flank another ceiling carved with a pattern depicting a cosmic pond, known as Matsya Chakra (Fish Wheel).
Cave 2 Related Images
– Facade and Entrance
– Mukhamantapa left wall: Varahavatara
– Mukhamantapa right wall: Vamanavatara
– Mukhamantapa ceiling: Matsya Chakra
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave, 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
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