Nude

figures of males, -and ‘ females, with serpents, occur in the Indra-Sabha (Asiatic Res., p. 392, _ and Fergu on’s Indian Architecture). Cobras, with 3, 5, or 7 hoods _ and strange half human heads, cover the canopies above the lingams, 9 Some of these stand on 3 steps in their Arghas: others are overshadowed by a cobra’s hood. The sacred odd numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9, _ at Elora, are repeated in groups of divine figures, in steps, and in the hoods of the Nagas. Indra and Indrani, with attendants, sit each _ under a Tree of Life, that of Indrani bearing symbolical egg-shaped fruits. She also appears on a lion or a tiger: and she bears her sun-babe f in her lap, both mother and child holding up the fore-finger of the _ right hand (see Eye). Indra rides on his elephant, and four peacocks are perched on his tree (see Fingers, Pad, Peacock). Both deities have as usual the left foot doubled over in front of their lower parts. The “ horses of the sun” (2 Kings xxiii, 11) are also carved at Elora, as well as a sun-god with seven horses’ heads; and there are many zodiakal emblems, and groups of twelve figures. In the undoubted Buddhist and Jaina caves we find shrines of Adi-nath, the primeval deity, and numerous cells for monks, each with a resting place, and a spring of clear water. But the Buddha is strangely a ociated with emblems of the older Bod worship (see Bud), no doubt as the later Budha Avatira of Vishnu. He appears often nude, and always with the thick lips and elongated ears, given to him by non-Aryans (see Buddha). The progre of Neo-Brahmanism is represented also at Elora, in the Halal-Kor Sabha, or “low-caste cave” -—a name probably given by Brahmans to a Buddhist’s, or “ heretic’s ” _ shrine. f Kurma, the turtle, only appears once, “standing,” says Capt. Seely, “by itself like the sphynx at Kailas.” We have evidently much still to learn as to the symbolism of these and other famous Indian caves. _ Elvand, Elvend. This is the Baga-vand, or Boga-vat i of "ancient Persians (see Damavand and Elburz): a high conical mountain overlooking Hamadan (see Ekbatana). It is the eastern peak of the range N. of Teheran, to which also belongs further W. the Takt-i- Suleiman. Elves. In German Elbes; plural of elf.