History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s4.68

v1.c19.s4.68

The great bas-relief on the rock, 90 ft. by 30 ft., is perhaps the most remarkable thing of its class in India. It is close to the Ganesa ratha, and is locally known as 'Arjuna's Penance,' but what it was meant to represent is still a puzzle. It is in two sections divided by a crack or split in the rock, in which are placed a great Nâga wearing a crown surrounded by a seven-fold hood (Woodcut No. 197); under him is a Nâginî with the usual triple hood; and below this a large cobra's head. The figures on both sides are directed towards this recess. On the left there is a small shrine below and a devotee worshipping at it, whilst behind are several wild beasts; above the shrine is a yogi standing on one foot before a deva, four armed, with a sort of sceptre and attendants, and behind and above him all the figures are in pairs—male and female—with only two arms each. On the