Ajanta Caves are one of the most mysterious and interesting sights in India. Discovered by chance in the 19th century, they still haven’t revealed all their secrets to the world. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists come here, who talk about the incredibly strong energy of this place.
General information
Ajanta is an ancient Buddhist monastery complex located in the state of Maharashtra. The uniqueness of this place lies in the fact that religious buildings (and there are 29 of them) are carved directly into the rock. The first caves appeared here in the 1st century BC, and the last-in the 17th century.
The ancient complex is located in a very picturesque, but inaccessible place. The nearest city is Kuldabad, 36 km from the property.
Interestingly, next to the Ajanta caves is Ellora, another underground monastery complex.
Historical background
The first mention of the monastery complex dates back to the 1st century BC. At that time, monks lived here, who built new temples. However, this lasted only until the 10th and 11th centuries – at that time, Muslims came to the territory of modern India, and Indian Buddhism ceased to be popular with local residents (even today it is practiced by less than 2% of the population). The unique cave temple was abandoned and forgotten for 800 years.
This landmark found a second wind only in the middle of the 19th century-ordinary English soldiers hunting for a tiger accidentally discovered this amazing structure. Inside the caves, they discovered an amazing picture: frescoes on the walls and columns, stone stupas and Buddha statues.
Since then, regular pilgrimages of scientists and tourists to Ajanta have begun. The most serious study is the expedition of James Ferguson, who described all the frescoes and explained to the whole world the cultural value of this place.
After that, artists visited the village more than once to redraw some of the frescoes. Their efforts ended in failure – all the paintings were burned down during the exhibitions. Locals believe that this is the revenge of the gods for interfering in their world.
Most of the mysteries associated with the caves are still unsolved. For example, scientists can’t understand how underground structures were illuminated. Many believe that the monks “caught ” the sun with mirrors, but this version has not yet been confirmed.
The paint used by the monks to paint the walls also raises questions – it glows in the dark, and even after 800 years it has not faded. Modern scientists have not been able to determine its exact composition.
Structure of the complex
The Ajanta complex in India consists of 29 caves, each of which has something to see.
Caves #1,2,3
These are some of the newest (12th-13th century) and well-preserved caves in Ajanta. Their almost perfect condition is explained by the fact that only monks had access here, and ordinary people had the right to enter only neighboring buildings.
The uniqueness of this part of the temple lies in the surprisingly clear rock carvings. For example, an image of children at school was found on one of the walls, and on the neighboring ones – silhouettes of women. Here you can also see bright frescoes on a religious theme and high carved columns that give the temple a solemn look. Most famous images:
- fresco of the ascetic king;
- king Sibi Jataka;
- Vajrapani.
Cave No. 4
This is the largest (970 sq. m.) and least deep cave in Ajanta. It consists of a sanctuary, a veranda and a main hall. In the center of the room sits a stone Buddha, and on the sides – heavenly nymphs.
Interestingly, the cave used to be deeper, but after an earthquake in the 6th century, Indian craftsmen were forced to raise the ceiling to hide a large crack in the rock.
Caves # 5
One of the unfinished caves of Ajanta. It began to be built in the 3rd century, but was soon abandoned. There are no frescoes or sculptures, but there is a double frame decorated with elaborate carvings.
Caves #6, 7
This is a two-story monastery, on the walls and ceilings of which you can find numerous images of the Buddha. One of the main sanctuaries of the entire complex, where believers came to pray.
Cave No. 8
According to historians, this is the oldest cave, which, at the same time, is perfectly preserved. It is located at a greater depth than the neighboring ones. Here, tourists can see the “Belated Thought ” statue and several rock carvings. It is interesting that historians believe that earlier this part of the temple was completely painted red.
Caves No. 9, 10
Caves No. 9 and 10 are small prayer halls with unique paintings on the walls: frescoes with a Buddha, images of nymphs. The main decoration of the rooms are high columns and carved arches.
Caves # 11, 12
These are 2 small monasteries, built around the 5th-6th century. Inside, there is a long stone bench, and on the walls you can see frescoes depicting the Buddha and monks. A small part of the temple is damaged, which is why it is not very popular with tourists.
Caves # 13, 14, 15
These are 3 small monasteries that were not completed due to natural factors. Historians say that earlier there were definitely paintings here, but now you can only see the bare walls.
Caves #16, 17
These are two of the most studied caves in Ajanta. Historians have spent more than one year here, and they say that these are the central, and therefore the main parts of the complex. There are really a lot of paintings and frescoes in these rooms: the miracle of Shravasti, the dream of Maya, the history of Trapushi and Bhallika, the ploughing festival. On the right wall, you can see images of scenes from the life of the Buddha.
Cave No. 18
This is a very small but very beautiful cave with columns and an arch. Its function is not yet fully understood.
Cave No. 19
The main attraction of the hall is the Naga figure, which protects the Buddha. Earlier, according to scientists, it was also possible to see mandalas and Yaksha images here. The entrance to this part of the temple is richly decorated with floral patterns and carved figures of gods.
Caves # 20-25
These are small caves built by some of the last ones. Monks lived and worked in this part of the complex, and from time to time the premises served as sanctuaries. Some of the rooms had an attic and cells.
The dungeons were decorated as follows:
- images of flowers on the walls:
- frescoes with the Buddha;
- Sanskrit inscriptions;
- carved ornaments on the walls and ceiling.
Cave No. 26
Cave number 26 is a place for Buddha worship and long prayers. The sculptures in this part of the complex are the most complex and refined. So, here you can see Mahaparinirvana (reclining Buddha), and at its foot – the silhouettes of the daughters of Mara. In the center of the apse is a stupa carved into the rock. On the walls of the temple-a lot of inscriptions in Sanskrit.Caves No. 27-2929
Caves No. 27, 28 and 29 together were a small but frequently visited monastery. There are not a lot of decorations here, so tourists do not often look into this part of the Ajanta complex.
How to get
By bus
Ajanta Village is served by regular buses from Aurangabad City (90 km away). The journey time will be just under 3 hours. The ticket price is 30 rupees.
You can get to Aurangabad itself from any big city in India by train or bus.
By taxi
A taxi ride in India will be much more comfortable and faster. The main thing is that the taxi driver knows exactly the way. The cost from Aurangabad is 600-800 rupees.
Practical information
Location: Ajanta Caves Road, Ajanta 431001, India.
Opening hours: 08.00-19.00, Monday-closed.
Admission fee: 250 rupees for foreigners, 10 rupees for locals. You can also purchase a single ticket to visit Ajanta and Ellora in India for Rs 350.
Useful tips
- Taps are installed in different parts of the Ajanta complex, from which tap water flows.
- Underground temples with the most beautiful frescoes have rather weak lighting, so tourists recommend taking a flashlight with you to see all the details.
- Plan a trip in warm, but not hot weather – the place is very interesting, but in the scorching sun you can hardly get around everything. Also, do not come here in the evening – the stones get very hot during the day.
- Before entering the cave temples of Ajanta, you must take off your shoes.
- Flash photography is prohibited in temples.
- Since the road to Ajanta is quite long, tourists are advised to either go with a travel agency, or independently hire a guide in India (many know several languages).
Ajanta Caves are one of the most energetically powerful places in India.
