BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE |
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AJANTA CAVES -
Why
would one go to caves, inhibit there, and leave it abandoned? That is a
historical question but the present, nevertheless, is far more interesting
to experience, visiting the caves of Nalanda, thought to be the masterpieces
of Buddhist art and architecture and inhibited by the Buddhist monks for
many centuries.
These caves are believed to see the rise and spread of both the two sects
of Buddhism, the Hinyana and the Mahayana, and enough examples of
architecture are available still in the caves. The 30 caves, including the
unfinished ones, seem to carry a distinct charm and represent the true faces
of the flourishing Buddhist architecture, art, and obviously the religious
influence at that period of time.
The fact that
these caves were inhibited by Buddhist monks and religious devotees for more
than 800 years is, in itself, enough to support it become a UNESCO world
heritage site. Even then, there are lots of other specimens to support its
uniqueness and importance in archaeology as well as history.
Visiting these caves is like travelling back to the past.
The location
The caves are in the state of Marathas, Maharashtra, in the Aurangabad
district. Located between Latitude 20º32' North and Longitude: 75º45'East.
The caves are by the river Waghora, in the midst of the Sahyadri hills
burried by thick forest all around.
Attractions
The Ajanta caves are important mainly to see the fine line of transfer of
the Hinyana and the Mahayana sect, as for the fact he Hianyana did not
worship any god or goddess but they used stupas, and other rock forms to
represent Buddha. Mahayana on the other hand, used idols of people they
worship. Interestingly, the caves include both Chaitya(Prayer Halls) and
monasteries and have both types of architecture and art besides paintings
and scriptures, of the two sects Hinyana and Mahayana. Caves numbered 8,9,
10, 12, 13 and 15 are of the older sect, Hinayana. Mahayana related vcaves
are numbered 1, 2, 16, 17, 19 and 26 where, 19 and 26 are Chaityas.
There are some unsurpassable paintings in the caves 1 and 2, mainly
depicting the Jataka Tales. Buddha preaching in sitting position is the
other common example of sculptures. Cave 10 is also quite attractive for its
Buddha images and the depiction of Jataka tales. Cave 16 and 17 are
monasteries full with images of Jataka tales, child and youth of Buddha, the
Sravasti tales etc and are good examples of architecture. Caves 1,2,3,5,6,8,
14, 15,16 and 17 are Viharas or monasteries, 19 and 26 are prayer halls
while caves 20 to 25 were used for residential purposes.
Though all the caves are interesting to watch and noteworthy, if one has
only a little time in hand caves, remember 1,2,16,17, 19 and 26 are must
see.
Excursions
Ellora
caves :Ellora caves too have some fantastic rock cut sculptures and is
in the same district with that of Ajanta namely, Aurangabad. The caves are
always rhymed with the Ajanta Caves for the architectural similarity and
location. The cave is a symbol of representation of high tolerance of India
from the ancient days, as well as pointing towards the common thread running
through Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Nasik
: The green belt city of Maharashtra is well known for the 12-Year
Mahakumbh and the varieties of fruits produced here. The city is related
with Ramayana and is a very fast growing industrial destination in India.
Shirdi, Trmbakeshwar, Dudhsagar waterfalls, Bhandardara, Jawahar, etc.
How to reach
By Air : Aurangabad, 99 km away is the nearest airport.
Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur etc.
By Rail : Aurangabad is nearest railhead, Jalgaon, 59 km
away, is good for catching swanky trains.
By Road : Well-maintained roads link Ajanta to Mumbai,
good buses are also available.
Where to stay
The Ambassador Ajanta is a good option to have a stay. Quality Inn the
meadows can also be tried out.
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