Note on Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash

Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash is the most popular theme in Ellora caves because it has been depicted several times in this gives. But the most remarkable of all is the one depicted on the left wall of Kailash Nath Temple give number 29 at Ellora. It is a colossal and considered as one of the masterpieces of Indian sculpture depicted on the wall of a cave. In this sculpture, Ravana has been shown checking the Mount Kailash when Lord Shiva along with Parvati and others were also present there. The composer of the relief is divided into several tiers. The lower 1 has been depicted multi-faced and multi armed Ravana who is shaking the Mount Kailash with ease. Kids hands have been expanded All Around The Chambers. The depth of this number is enough to provide space for three dimensional effect. The upper half is divided into 3 frames and the centre is occupied by the image of Shiva and Parvati. Parvati is shown moving close to Shiva. Her stressed legs and slightly twisted body in the recessed space create a very dramatic effect of light and shade. The gana (Dwarf) figures are shown in action. They are their activities. The celestial have been shown in frozen movement above Shiva and Parvati witnessing the event. Each image in the composition and their body action are wonderfully interwoven with each other. Protrusion of volume and recession in the space is important landmark in the images and graved in the Ellora Caves.