The Ajanta Caves is a magnificent testimony to the timeless cultural legacy of India. Located in the state of Maharashtra the caves date back to the 2nd century BC. There was a horse-shoe cliff adjacent to the Waghora river that was carved to create the Ajanta Caves. Buddhist monks used the caves as their prayer halls and monasteries. They inhabited the caves for more than nine centuries and then discarded this location. The place remained in ignominy till it was discovered in 1819. Since then, the Ajanta Caves can make their way into any tourist map of India. For Buddhists, the caves envelop both the Mahayana and Theravada sect.
There are twenty-nine caves inside the Ajanta Caves. A path runs across all the caves, joining them in a common thread. In the initial days, one could access all the caves from the side of the river. There is a platform on the river front that is used as a vantage point. You can understand why the monks decided to use this place as their habitat when you look at the scenic beauty of the place. The Ajanta Caves are a home to many artifacts related to Buddhism. In the earlier Theravada tradition, you will find the Buddha depicted in the form of symbols. Colorful paintings and mural work represent the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. You will also find many scenes from daily lives inscribed on the walls.
The most important cave of the Ajanta Caves is the first cave. The cave bears signs that it was exquisitely painted, though a major part of it has been eaten away by time. You will find two huge Bodhisattvas on either side of the entrance. On the right is Avalokitesvara with the thunderbolt, the most important figure of the Mahayana sect. On the left is Padmapani holding a water lily. The sides of the cave have two different scenes: one is of his temptation by Mara and the miracle at Sravasti. You will also find the scenes Buddha saw on his journey that led him to leave his stately home and become a monk. The tales of Jataka find a pride of place, too.
Copyright – India Travel Guide
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