Buddhist Tour to India would be incomplete without Ajanta & Ellora. The caves are the most alluring to the tourists and are considered to be one of the most favourite destinations for any tourist. The Ajanta and Ellora caves convey to great extent of the holiness and nobility of Buddha. This place is situated near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The rock cut cave shrines are carved by hand and is one of the most important specimen as the ancient Indian Architecture. Ajanta has been named as world greatest “
Heritage site” which has inspired the rich and artistic side of the Indian Culture.
Ajanta Caves
The group of caves of Ajanta was first discovered in the 19th century, which was situated near the Waghora River, within the Shayadri Hills. These caves were the retreats of
Buddhist Monks who practised and taught the rituals. This cave depicts the stories of jatakas, i.e. the story of re-incarnation of Buddha. This was one of the cultural learning centres of the Buddhist cultural movements. It is said that with the Theravada and Mahayana Traditions it is one of the masterpieces of
Buddhist Art in India. The art of Ajanta caves depicts the early life of Buddha, featuring colourful murals and statues. There are total of 29 Caves, each speaking something in itself. The must - see cave is the Cave 26, which is the Mahayana Prayer Hall, having the sculpture of declining Buddha. It represent the Buddha’s moment of death, below portraying his followers mourning.
Ellora caves
The Ellora caves were one of the finest discoveries of Indian Temple Architecture. Its exclusive carved rocks structure depicts three faiths, i.e. Hinduism, Jainism & Buddhism. These caves were carved during 350 A.D. to 700 A.D. It has 34 finest caves with intricate interiors and ornamental facades. The exquisite paintings and carvings found in Ellora are the major attractions. The wall paintings which were found in 5 caves were preserved in Kailash Temple. It is said that the
Ellora Temples were completed in 5 centuries, although the effect of the
Buddhism lessened due to the merging of Hindu and Jain Art. The main highlights of Ellora caves are wooden beams, splendid angles of mystical figures are fascinating. During 7th - 10th century, it was said that the Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta Rulers were the patrons of the cave temples of Ellora.
The group of caves of Ajanta was first discovered in the 19th century, which was situated near the Waghora River, within the Shayadri Hills. These caves were the retreats of Buddhist Monks who practised and taught the rituals. This cave depicts the stories of jatakas, i.e. the story of re-incarnation of Buddha. This was one of the cultural learning centres of the Buddhist cultural movements. It is said that with the Theravada and Mahayana Traditions it is one of the masterpieces of Buddhist Art in India. The art of Ajanta caves depicts the early life of Buddha, featuring colourful murals and statues. There are total of 29 Caves, each speaking something in itself. The must - see cave is the Cave 26, which is the Mahayana Prayer Hall, having the sculpture of declining Buddha. It represent the Buddha’s moment of death, below portraying his followers mourning.
The Ellora caves were one of the finest discoveries of Indian Temple Architecture. Its exclusive carved rocks structure depicts three faiths, i.e. Hinduism, Jainism & Buddhism. These caves were carved during 350 A.D. to 700 A.D. It has 34 finest caves with intricate interiors and ornamental facades. The exquisite paintings and carvings found in Ellora are the major attractions. The wall paintings which were found in 5 caves were preserved in Kailash Temple. It is said that the Ellora Temples were completed in 5 centuries, although the effect of the Buddhism lessened due to the merging of Hindu and Jain Art. The main highlights of Ellora caves are wooden beams, splendid angles of mystical figures are fascinating. During 7th - 10th century, it was said that the Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta Rulers were the patrons of the cave temples of Ellora.
