West India Holidays
-|| Ajanta, Maharastra Holidays ||-
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-: Ajanta :-
Ajanta
among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings
and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to
Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation
and the study of Buddhist teachings.The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Among the more interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, a saintly being who is destined to become the Buddha.
Finished Caves
This is one of the finest monasteries at Ajanta. Graciously posed Bodhisattvas with elaborate headdresses flank the antechamber doorway. On its either side are two of the best-known murals Bodhisattva Padmapani and Bodhisattva Vajrapani holding a thunderbolt (right) accompanied by attendants, divine musicians and flying figures.
The left wall of the antechamber depicts the assault and temptation by Mara, the god of passion, and on the right wall is the dark princess being offered lotuses by a lady. in the shrine, the Buddha is seen in the teaching position. Under his throne appears the Wheel of Life. The left wall of the hall shows scenes from the Mahajanaka Jataka. To the right of the rear wall are episodes from the Champeyya Jataka.
Unfinished Caves
Cave 3 & 5:These are unfinished monasteries of the second phase of excavation. Cave 5 is notable for its intricately carved doorway with female figures standing on Makaras.
Cave 8: An unfinished monastery excavated in the earlier phase.
Cave 23: It has some delicately sculpted figures of the river goddesses and amorous couples and decorative medallions containing dancing Ganas.
How to Reach Ajanta
By Air
Chikalthana airport at Aurangabad (106 kms) is the nearest airfield and is directly linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.
By Rail
Aurangabad, the closest railhead, is directly connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and Bhopal. Alternatively you could take a bus or taxi to Jalgaon (59 kms), a mainline junction from where you get faster express trains to Mumbai and Delhi.
By Road
Aurangabad is connected to all major cities and towns by good roads. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation runs ordinary and luxury buses from here to Mumbai (392 kms).
