Ajanta Caves, India

The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta, India, some of which date from the 2nd century BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the Ajanta caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India. Many visitors explore the Ajanta Caves in conjunction with the nearby Ellora Caves.

History

The Ajanta Caves were carved over many years out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River. They were used by Buddhist monks as prayer halls (chaitya grihas) and monasteries (viharas) for about nine centuries, then were abruptly abandoned. They fell into oblivion until they were rediscovered in 1819.

What to See

Prayer hall with stupa. Photo Marc Shandro.



Buddhist monks honor an ancient sacred image. Photo © Marc Shandro.


Buddhists worship at the Buddha's feet. Photo Marc Shandro.


Visitors outside the caves. Photo © Diana Criswell.


Reclining Buddha in Cave 26. Photo Marc Shandro.


Buddha statue. Photo Rana Banerjee.


Some of Ajanta's famous murals. Photo Marc Shandro.


Elaborately carved medallion. Photo Nathan Nelson.


Cave with a stupa and murals on the pillars. Photo Marc Shandro.


Closer look at the painted pillars. Photo Marc Shandro.


Murals over a cave entrance. Photo © Diana Criswell.


Elaborate Buddhist sculptures. Photo © Diana Criswell.


A parting view of the Ajanta Caves. Photo John Wigham

The caves are numbered from east to west, 1 through 29. Today, a terraced path connects the cave, but in ancient times each was independently accessed from the riverfront.

A viewing platform across the river affords an excellent view of the entire Ajanta site. The natural beauty of the area makes it clear why the monks chose the site for their spiritual pursuits.

Preserved inside the caves are many masterpieces of Buddhist art. Some reflect the earlier Theravada tradition of depicting the Buddha only in symbolic form such as a throne or footprints. Others, the Mahayana caves, feature colorful murals and statues depicting the life (and former lives) of the Buddha and various Bodhisattvas. The caves also depict scenes from everyday life and many include inscriptions indicating a prince or noble who gifted the cave to the monks.

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