Ravana lifting Kailasha: A Commentary
The thread would detail a rock cut sculpture of Ravana trying to lift the Kailasha mountain at Ellora caves, Maharashtra
#Thread 🧵
The thread would detail a rock cut sculpture of Ravana trying to lift the Kailasha mountain at Ellora caves, Maharashtra
#Thread 🧵
The story is taken from Ramayana, where Ravana, because of his victories against Gods and humans becomes so arrogant that he now wants to lift up the Kailasha, which is an abode of his benefactor God, Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Let's look at the details of this sculpture, which is at cave number 29, Ellora.
This shows Ravana with multiple heads and at least six hands trying to lift up the mountain.
On top, Shiva with Pravati sitting besides each other, surrounded by the Gods, demi-gods, gandharvas and other celestial beings, who are a witness to this event.
On top, Shiva with Pravati sitting besides each other, surrounded by the Gods, demi-gods, gandharvas and other celestial beings, who are a witness to this event.
It is what is happening, while Ravana is trying to lift up the mountains is interesting and shows the ingenuity and s nse of humor of ancient Indian artisans of 8th century AD.
On Ravana's left, one could see the ganas of God Shiva, who are trying to distract Ravana in every possible way.
This gana, for example is showing his tongue to Ravana and trying to warn him with right index finger.
Another one trying to show his backside to Ravana, so that Ravana could be distracted.
Other ganas are also trying their ways to disturb the King of Lanka.
Other ganas are also trying their ways to disturb the King of Lanka.
The gana on Ravana's right is holding a club in his hand and trying to warn Ravana of his foolhardy adventure.
The gana behind him is praying, so that Ravana may not succed or for Ravana to gain his senses.
The gana behind him is praying, so that Ravana may not succed or for Ravana to gain his senses.
But on top, look at the expression of Shiva and Parvati!
They seem to be least bothered with what Ravana is up to.
It seems they do not care if Ravana could succeed in his venture.
That is is because Shiva and Parvati know their power!
They seem to be least bothered with what Ravana is up to.
It seems they do not care if Ravana could succeed in his venture.
That is is because Shiva and Parvati know their power!
At the end, Mahadeva presses his right thumb at the spot where he is sitting and Ravana is half-crushed by the mountain.
In agony, Ravana starts worshiping Shiva for years, creating the Shiva-tandav stotram.
In agony, Ravana starts worshiping Shiva for years, creating the Shiva-tandav stotram.
Shiva, pleased at the devotion of Ravana gives him a sword named 'Chandrahans', whose power is indestructible.
In Cave number 16, Ravana is depicted offering his heads to God Shiva.
Some of the greatest Hindu sculptures in India are at the Ellora, testifying to the skill, ingenuity of the artisans and their patrons.
End
Some of the greatest Hindu sculptures in India are at the Ellora, testifying to the skill, ingenuity of the artisans and their patrons.
End
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