AJANTA
AND ELLORA CAVES
INTRODUCTION
 The
famous Ajanta and Ellora caves are located near the city of
Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the
ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage. The cave
shrines were all cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst
some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural
heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta
were remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium,
till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled
upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. The view
point from where John Smith first glimpsed the caves provides
a magnificent sight of the U-Shaped gorge and its scenic surroundings.
Today Ajanta and Ellora caves have been honored the world
heritage site status to be preserved as an artistic legacy
for generations to witness.
DESCRIPTION
OF AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
Ajanta Caves
It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of
caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the
curved mountain side, above the Waghora River, were discovered.
They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning a period from
200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats
of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals
in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning,
and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using
simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out
the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures.
Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the
Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations
of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others
are also elaborately portrayed.
 Ellora
Caves
The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides
of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens
of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades
and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing
the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were
carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves
to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated
to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.The sculpture
in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace
and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house
images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same
roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint
of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya
and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa.
Its two - storied structure sports a colourful pageant of
dwarfs, dancing and making music.
HOW TO
REACH AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES
Air- Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are
about 99 Kms and 30 kms away from Aurangabad respectively.
Aurangabad is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Aurangabad in Maharashtra
and Mumbai.
Rail- Aurangabad is directly connected
to Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways
line, is 59 km from Ajanta. You can board train to reach
Aurangabad and accordingly get in taxis and tourist coaches
to reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Road- The caves can be accessed via Aurangabad
which is well connected to all neighbouring cities by state
run buses.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Anytime of the year
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