"Ravan lifting Mount Kailash" is a sculpture made in :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The classic and powerful sculpture, "Ravan lifting Mount Kailash," is famously housed in the **Kailash Temple**, which forms Cave 16 of the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. This temple is an extraordinary example of rock-cut architecture, having been carved entirely out of a single massive rock by the Rashtrakuta dynasty, predominantly during the reign of King Krishna I. The sculpture vividly depicts the demon king Ravana attempting to uproot Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, who, along with his consort Parvati, remains unmoved, pinning Ravana beneath the mountain with just the toe of his foot. This piece is renowned for its sheer drama, emotional intensity, and masterful articulation of the rock-cut technique, making it one of the most significant pieces of Indian sculpture.

The incorrect option is 1:
Kandaria Mahadev Temple, situated in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is a masterpiece of the Chandela dynasty and belongs to the *Nagara* style of temple architecture. While it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, its fame lies in its colossal size, the elaborate series of interconnected halls (*mandapas*), and the intricate, often erotic, sculptures covering its exterior and interior walls. The temple features numerous depictions of Hindu deities and celestial nymphs but does not contain the iconic rock-cut "Ravan lifting Mount Kailash" sculpture.

The incorrect option is 3:
Mukteshwar Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and is considered a 'gem' of Odisha's Kalinga style of architecture. This 10th-century temple is particularly noted for its beautifully carved *torana* (arched gateway) and is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although it possesses exquisite carvings that showcase the maturity of the regional art form, this temple is architecturally distinct and does not feature the Ellora-style "Ravan lifting Mount Kailash" panel.

The incorrect option is 4:
Sun Temple refers to the colossal temple at Konark, Odisha, built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty. This magnificent structure is famed for being constructed in the shape of a massive chariot with twelve pairs of wheels, all dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Since the entire iconographic program revolves around Sun worship and astronomical themes, it is not the location for a prominent sculpture depicting the Shaivite legend of Ravana and Kailash.