AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

These Buddhist and Jain caves which are elaborately carved, seem quiet, meditative and exude a divine energy. The paintings and sculptures in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, inspired by Buddhism and its culture, unleashed a surge of artistic excellence unmatched in human history.

Approximately 107 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, these rock cut caves of Ajanta is situated in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe.

Google map screenshot of Ajanta Caves

A set of 29 caves, Ajanta is among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, cave paintings and sculptures. These caves comprise of shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and monasteries used by Buddhist monks for meditation. The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist divinities. Among the most interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattava, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha. These elaborate sculptures and paintings stand in impressive grandeur in spite of withstanding the ravages of time. Amid the beautiful images and paintings are sculptures of Buddha, calm and serene in contemplation. The monastery continued at least till the 8th century AD and was forgotten till its rediscovery in 1819. 

Partial view of Ajanta Caves

Partial view of Ajanta Caves

One of the many elaborate halls carved out into the mountain

The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment around the 6th - 10th century, are approximately 30 km north of Aurangabad. Sculptors, inspired by Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, create elaborate rock carvings. The 34 caves (12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu & 5 Jain) contain halls of worship, monasteries and temples. The most imposing excavation is that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims.

Kailasa Temple (cave 16)

Cave 16 - View from the top

Cave 16 - Entrance

Declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1983, the paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have greatly influenced in the developing of art in India.