Thursday, September 26, 2019
Ajanta - A World Heritage Site
Ajanta caves are located in Aurangabad district of the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora caves are not much distance and both the caves are important historical centers. Ajanta caves date back to around 200 years BC. These caves have pictures, idols and other artwork of Hindu, Buddhist and Jainism. The caves of Ajanta have been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
 |
| Ajanta caves |
Unheard aspects of Buddha's life
There are about 30 caves in Ajanta, in which pictures, sculptures and murals depicting the three religions are installed. All the walls of the caves have one important window, which was built only during the 2nd century BCE. It is all studded with precious stones. A special and common feature of all Ajanta caves is that they all have unheard and unread aspects of the life of Lord Buddha. All the rest of the period is depicted accurately before Lord Buddha attained salvation. Ajanta caves are very similar to the Sigiriya caves found in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Ajanta caves are 800 years old. These caves were discovered in a very interesting way - in the 19th century some British soldiers went to the jungles near Aurangabad to hunt. As they were changing their horseshoe, they saw a cave covered with greenery. Those soldiers immediately informed the government and the team of the Archaeological Department found the caves of Ajanta. Stupa, Taras, Dardharpal, Math etc. are found during the search in the caves. All of them are seen making a strong demonstration of Buddhism.
What to see in the Ajanta caves
All the 29 caves of Ajanta depict Lord Buddha. Some of these caves are described as follows -
Cave 1 - The first cave depicts the time between 6th to 7th century. There is a special idol of Lord Buddhist in this cave, which looks different when viewed from different angles. The principles of the Naga patron are also carved in this cave as well as the statue of the carved goddess on the left hand side corner of the cave, which shows the nature of the mother earth. A dwarf stands in wait for God with a garland in his hands, while on the other hand Padampani Avokitevara is holding a lotus in his hand and Vajrapani in his hand. Apart from all these, there are many more pictures that add to the beauty of the cave such as - the lover's willingness to sex as a tavo, the Dark Princess inspired by the prince of Andhra, the golden geese, the pink elephant and the bull fight.
Cave 2 - Cave 2 is very similar to the first cave. The doors, roof and temple carvings of this cave are amazing. There are 1000 pictures of Lord Buddha on the walls. There is a small child in the corridor called the wandering girl, this picture highlights the physical energy of the Buddha.
Cave 4 - Ajanta Caves 4 and 17 are exactly the same. The images made in both these caves are incomplete.
Cave 6 - This cave depicts the Mahayana period. In it, an image of a seated Mahatma Buddha is built around which many couples are flying. This cave is much nicer and octagonal in shape than other caves. It depicts a monk with a lotus flower.
Cave 9 - As soon as you enter this cave, you will find a large hall known as Chaitya Hall. A huge horseshoe window will be found as the hall progresses.
Cave 10 - This cave in style and architecture is very similar to the previous Cave 9. This cave has pictures of people associated with Buddha's life.
Cave 11 - This cave is seen depicting the change from Hinayana to Mahayana period. It also has a Buddhist stupa.
Cave 17 - This cave is a little unique because the paintings used in it depict love. In these paintings fairies, spirits fly and apsaras dance in Indra's assembly. This cave also depicts the incident of the life of Lord Buddha in which he comes to his wife and children as a monk for the first time after becoming a monk from Prince Siddhartha.
Cave 21 - Cave 21 is built more closely than other caves. Build in this cave, 26 carved pillars capable of bringing the cave to life. Cave 24 - This cave has three parts - pillar style or pillar style, pillar style i.e. pillar-wall, and porch doorway ie gateway with gateway. These columns remain incomplete.
Cave 26 - This cave has a center of attraction, Shravasti miracles, family groups, and curly-haired Buddha depicting the head of the Lord. Shravasti was a village, where the people living considered themselves lucky because they saw Mahatma Buddha. The family groups depicted in this cave were considered to be the idealized family of the time and the confluence of the Lord reflects their spiritual glory.
Cave 27 - This cave is divided into two parts which are known as Naga Dirdharpal and Porched Doorway. This cave is very similar to 20. Its Naga portion also looks similar to Cave 20. The porched doorway part of the cave looks like a cave 2 which is quite attractive. All other caves depicting Buddhism also make us feel proud that we are Indians.
Anjata go for fun in any season of the year
The weather in Anjata does not become an obstacle for tourists to visit and enjoy. You can come here in any season of the year. In summer, if tourists do not come then it will be good, although there is not much heat in these months, still strong sunlight can disturb. Anjata's caves shine in the monsoon. And the surrounding forests and natural sites look very beautiful. Traveling to Anjata in this season will be a memorable trip for tourists. To come here, passengers will have to get airplane, rail and bus trio. You can reach here from different routes. A number of buses ply from the nearby cities to the caves of Anjata which will take tourists to their destinations in a short time. It is said that after taking birth in the world and before dying one should visit some places of the earth, one of these is also the caves of Anjata.