AJANTA CAVES

Ajanta caves are located 99-km away from Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta caves were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD, and are ranked high as a world heritage site. Hailed as one of Indias greatest artistic treasures, Ajanta is the location of some of the finest examples of ancient Indian sculptures and murals, housed in 28 caves that served as a major Buddhist monastery from the second to seventh century BC.  At Ajanta, the caves hewn out of the horse-shoe shaped stone cliffs surrounding the River Waghora are an important heritage site, allowing viewers to glimpse the amazing skill of ancient muralists and sculptors. For centuries, the Ajanta Caves lay hidden, known only to the local tribes people and were discovered by chance in 1819, when a party of British soldiers came here. Today, Ajanta is renowned all over the world for its majestic beauty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   They were hidden in the midst of a lonely glen with a streamlet flowing down below. They were scooped out into the heart of the rock so that the pious Buddhist monk could dwell and pray. During this time, images of Buddha interpreting his different life stories and several types of human and animal figures were carved out of rock in-situ. All sections of people of the contemporary society from kings to slaves, women, men and children are seen in the Ajanta murals interwoven with flowers, plants, fruits, birds and beasts. There are also the figures of 'Yakshas', 'Kinneras' (half human and half bird) 'Gandharvas' (divine musicians), 'Apsaras' (heavenly dancers), which were of concern to the people of that time. The Ajanta caves are dedicated solely to Buddhism. The caves, including unfinished are thirty in number of which five (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are "Chaitya-Grihas" and the rest are "Sangharamas" or Viharas (monasteries). The caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 can be ranked high among the greatest artistic works of the contemporary world. Ajanta Caves The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings, which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The artist has lent his creativity in each work with an overwhelming sense of vitality. These paintings have survived time and till date the numerous paintings glowing on the walls make the atmosphere very vibrant and alive. In Cave 1, Prince Buddha is depicted delicately holding the fragile blue lotus, his head bent sideways as if the weight of his ornate jewelled crown is too heavy for his head. His half-closed eyes give an air of meditation, almost of shyness. Cave number 2, which is one of the better-preserved monasteries with a shrine, shows how sculpture, paintings and architectural elements were used together to enhance the atmosphere of piety and sanctity. The ceiling and wall paintings illustrate events associated with Buddha's birth. A sculptured frieze of the miracle of "Sravasti", when Buddha multiplied himself a thousand times can be seen in cave 7. In cave 17 one can find the paintings that depict stories from the Jatakas or tales of the previous incarnations of Buddha and also Buddha with his right hand raised, with the palm facing the viewer, which is a symbol of "Abhaya" - reassurance and protection. The best surviving examples of a rock cut Chaitya Griha can be seen in cave 19 at Ajanta. The elegant porch is topped by the distinctive 'horseshoe' shaped window - flanked by 'Yakshas' or guardians, standing Buddha figures and elaborate decorative motifs. The interior of the cave is profusely carved with pillars, a monolithic carved symbolic Stupa and images of Buddha, which heralded the introduction of Mahayana phase. In cave 26, Buddha is seen seated under a Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, meditating, when Mara and her voluptuous daughters attempted to tempt him. Buddha touched the earth with his left hand to witness his enlightenment. The "Parinivana" (ultimate enlightenment or liberation) came when Buddha left the world- as depicted in the 7m (23ft) image of the reclining Buddha in cave number 26.   Best Time To Visit Winter months (from October to February) or during the monsoons are a good time to visit the Ajanta Caves. Weekends and holidays tend to be very hectic with plenty of visitors to the caves. Accommodation Option Accommodation in Ajanta is limited and most visitors prefer to stay in Aurangabad or Jalgoan where there are a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. Activities Transport yourself back to the past in Ajanta – take a torch-lit tour of the Caves and marvel at the beautiful paintings that glow softly in the dark and gasp at the life-size and miniature sculptures that abound here. You can amble though the Ajanta Caves on your own or take a guided tour – the art contained in these Buddhist Caves are great works by themselves and one can spend hours studying them. Guides are helpful in explaining the pictorial stories and in pointing out some of the more amazing aspects of the paintings and sculptures that transform the rocky cave walls. Begin with Cave 1, which has some of the finest painting specimens, particularly the two bodhisattvas of Padmapani and Vajrapani and an impressive seated Buddha sculpture. Move on to Cave 2 with its beautiful ceiling painted to resemble a tent and its lovely animated sculptures. Walk through the other caves observing many more murals and frescoes, many of them illuminating stories from the Jataka tales, and episodes from the Buddha's life. Exquisite sculptures capture your eye, their fine detailing adding to the aesthetic beauty of the Caves. Of particular interest are Cave 17 with its exquisite murals, Cave 19 with some astounding sculptures and Cave 26 with its impressive carvings. At Ajanta, you can spend the whole day transfixed by a single monumental image or get your fill of a million visual delights. Whatever you choose, chances are that you will come away with some wonderful memories Places Nearby Aurangabad (108 km) with its many Mughal monuments is a great place to explore. The Bibi ka Maqbara built as an imitation of the Taj Mahal is an interesting site to visit. The Jami Masjid and the Dargah of Baba Shah Musafir is well worth a visit. Things To Pack Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, torch-light and a sun-hat are vital to ensure your comfort while exploring the Caves. Be sure to carry plenty of bottled water with you.