Ajanta Caves: A series of 29 Buddhist cave temples (Part – 1)

By asad russel –

About Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India:
In Ajanta, India, a series of the 29 Buddhist cave temples are the Ajanta Caves. From the second century BC some of the temples dated. Both Mahayana and Theravada traditions of Buddhist encompassing, in India some of the best masterpiece of the Buddhist art the Ajanta caves preserve. In conjunction with the nearby Ellora Caves many tourists explore the Ajanta Caves.

Ajanta Caves history:
In the 2nd century BC the Ajanta Caves were carved along the Waghora River out of a cliff which was horseshoe-shaped. For about nine centuries as the prayer hall (chaitya grihas) and as the monasteries (Viharas) by the Buddhist monks they were used, then abandoned abruptly. In 1819 until they were rediscovered into oblivion they fell.

At the Ajanta Caves what to see:
1 through 29 from east to west the caves are numbered. The caves are connects today by a terraced path, but from the riverfront each was independently accessed in the ancient times. An excellent view of the site of entire Ajanta Caves affords across the river a viewing platform. For the spiritual pursuits why the monks chose this site it become clear by the natural beauty of the site.

There are many masterpiece of the Buddhist arts preserved inside the caves. The Buddha from such as a throne or footprints only in symbolic of depicting the earlier Theravada tradition some reflects. The Mahayana caves are the others, feature with the statues and murals of the Buddha and various Bodhisattvas depicting the life and the former lives. From everyday life the caves also depict the scenes and who gifted the caves to the monks indicating the prince or noble many include inscriptions.

In reverse numerical order to explore the Ajanta Caves it is most practical, so in this way below they are presented. From cave to cave in the other direction from the masses of the people moving this keeps you somewhat out, and at the end at the exit brings you out. There are some caves which the visitors want to must see.

Cave 26 – This is a prayer hall (chaitya) of Mahayana. A large carved statue of the reclining Buddha is the highlight for this cave, which representing the moments of his death. Mourn his passing his followers below him, and at the above being rejoice celestial. In a pavilion with an image of Buddha also contains a stupa the cave.

Cave 17 – Many well preserved wall paintings covered with a Mahayana monastery. On the ceiling are the maidens and the celestial musicians, and adorn the doorways the Buddhas, goddesses, scroll work, lotus petals and celestial guardians. With the man eating ogresses of Sri Lanka Prince Simhala’s encounter shows where he’d been shipwrecked one mural in the Cave 17. With the entourage of celestial nymphs (apsaras) and musicians the King of Gods flying amidst clouds another shows. With the Maitreya or the future Buddha depicting the seven Manushi Buddhas (in human form the Buddhas) the panel above the doorway, their respective Bodhi trees seated under.

Will Continue....

Posted by : Unknown 6:23 PM Tags : Travel Destinations

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