Karla - a Magnificent Buddhist Site of
Pre-Christian era.
Karla is about 8 k.ms from Bhaja located on a mountain. The climb is steep. The Chaitya façade is very impressive. Sculptures of donors/Mithuna couples flank the entrances. In between are the Mahayana sculptures of seated and standing Buddha. Elephant/ horse riders top the pillars. Inside there are 15 pillars in each row. The 13th pillar of the right row has a sphinx. The 12th pillar on the left has also a sphinx and inscription from Greek Merchants of Dhenukakata. There are many inscriptions in the Chaitya on the doors, pillars etc. Motifs like Chakra, Triratna etc are inscribed on the pillars.
An imposing Lion pillar stands in front of the cave. Its shaft has inverted
lotus surmounted by 4 lions. They could have supported a chakra, which now has
disappeared.
There is a temple of Ekavira Goddess just outside the main Chaitya hall. The deity Ekavira has a silver mask. Priest said she is from Konkan- Kuladevata of Konkanis and who is perhaps related to Amba Jogai .
Koli's come from Bombay to show their children to the Goddess Yamai. The stupa is taken to be the Goddess Yamai. Isn't it a very interesting social phenomenon! Connection of local faith with this ancient Buddhist spot need further investigation