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.
