Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.181

v3.c19.181

The sculpturing of the Sapta-mātṛkā group of gods and goddesses found in the cave temples of Ellora conform largely to the descriptions given above. They, however, differ in a few points; for instance, the goddesses in some cases are all made alike with a single face each; and these are distinguished from each other by their weapons and the *lāñchhanas* or emblems worked out below them in small niches or countersunk panels. Thus, Brahmāṇī is recognised by the small figure of a swan sculptured in the seat below. In some cases the goddesses are each provided with a child, which is placed either on the lap or is made to stand by the side. The group is invariably made up of the seven seated mothers flanked on either side by Virabhadra who is seen playing upon a *vīṇā* and Vināyaka, there being some blood-thirsty ghosts surrounding Chāmuṇḍa.