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Sculptures in Ajanta (Cave 2)
A shrine at the rear wall of the cave houses large statues of Hariti with a
child on her lap and Panchika at her side. This is the story of the
conversion of the yakshi Hariti from a cannibal into the guardian-deity of
newborn infants. Hariti with her lord Panchika are seated side by side on a
raised stool, while two incidents from the former life of the ogress are
carved in the background. In one panel she argues with Buddha, in the other
she listens to the words of the Master and gives up cannibalism to take up
the protection of the children of Rajagriha.
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