Location : From Aurangabad Ajanta
-100 km, Ellora - 30 km
Built In : Ajanta Caves - 200BC to 650 AD and Ellora Caves - 350 AD
to 700 AD
Discovered By : Ajanta and Ellora caves discovered by John Smith in
1819
Major Attractions : Kailasa Temple, Buddha's Statues, Paintings
No
where in the world any one would have imagined that there is a treasure
hidden chiseled out from the solid rocks when the mighty kingdoms where busy
in building the unparalleled forts and palaces. The World Heritage Sites of
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are testimony to the fact that these are the
unsurpassed rock cut caves not only in India but in the whole world, where
from tourist visit to this place to have a glimpse of its excellence and
exquisiteness depicting the rich ancient architectural heritage of India.
Plan a tour to Ajanta Ellora Cave sites winding through ancient rocks deep
into the natural vegetation away from hustle and bustle of city life.
Rediscover the Treasure - Ajanta Caves
Ajanta caves, a secluded retreat for the
Buddhist monks was carved out of deep curved mountain side, lying deep in
Sahyadri hills in 200 BC and remain shrouded in obscurity for more than a
millennia from 650 AD when it was abandoned in favor of Ellora caves. It was
only in 1819 when British officers spotted the caves when they where on the
hunting expedition to the near by hills. Its amazing to see from the
distance which looks like stark holes on the rock face are actually the
treasure troves of numerous Buddha sculptures, ancient paintings, fine
workmanship.
Visit the 29 caves in Ajanta of which 5 served as Chastiyas (Temples) and
rest as Viharas (Monasteries). On entering the caves you will see the
impressive figures, exquisite frescos and huge sculptures adorning the cave
walls that speaks the tales of Bygone era. Don't miss to see the panels
depicting the stories from Jatakas, a rich tale of different incarnations of
Lord Buddha and image of nymphs and princesses among others.
Ellora Caves - Spirit of Religious Harmony
Ellora Caves
Visit the wonder of fourth century and you
will see what is called the perfect religious harmony. The 34 caves of
Ellora built from 350 AD to 700 AD belongs to people of three different
faiths Buddhists, Hindus and Jainism. The 12 caves on the South are of
Buddhists and 17 caves in center are dedicated to the Hindus while five
caves to the North belongs to the Jain's. The major attraction of these
caves are the statue of Buddha seated in a two story structure of Stupa with
all the grace, nobility and serenity inherent in him. Besides Buddha this
stupa also sports dwarfs dancing and making music. In cave 16 there is a
Kailasa Temple the architectural marvel that recalls about the abode of Lord
Shiva - Mount Kailasa, where grand hall, sanctum, courtyard, aisle among
others, all carved out from one stone block and covers the size double to
Parthenon in Athens. The splendid achievement of human genius, this temple
entailed removal of 200,000 tones of rock and took a century to complete.
This intricate as well as delicate piece of ancient architectural heritage
is a must to see experience. On the north to the Ellora caves and a mile
away from central caves lies the Jain caves. Look at the ceilings of cave
number 32 a shrine of Indra Sabha and you will find the beautiful design of
Lotus flower. These caves usually portray the Jain philosophy and
traditions. In other cave you will find the Goddess Vakshi on her lion under
mango tree, laden with fruits. Jain caves have the intricate designs and
rich paintings on its walls and ceilings that will we a visual treat to your
eyes.
