Cave No. 1, Ajanta

This is the first cave that we come across in Ajanta on the Eastern side of horse shoe shaped structure. This cave was built sometime in the 6th -7th centuries. This is one of the finest monastery of its kind and no other monastery here has so handsomely ornamented. It comprises of a open verandah, a hypostylar hall, a sanctum with an antechamber and group of cells.

This cave has very decorative facade and in the front portico the richly carved six pillars. These six columns have square bases and at the top there are 4 dwarfs at each corner with elaborately decorated bracket-capitals. At the top on the pillars, the central compartment is adorned with Buddha with monks and the projecting ends have figures of flying couples with garlands and flowers in their hands.

Besides the pillars, the verandah has two ornate carved friezes above them. The lower frieze is decorated with a variety of carvings like of which elephants and buffalo-fights are interesting. There are also horses on this panel. There are cells on either end of the varanandh. Outside the verandah on either side are raised pillared porch. Access to the hall is provided by three doors, the central one is richly carved with bands floral motifs.



Inside the cave the ceiling of the hall is supported by exquisitely decorated more than 10 pillars that are arranged in a arranged in a square. The central panels of the bracket-capitals on each of these pillars contain various carvings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, worship of the stupa, figures including animals.One of the panels has four deers that has only one head. All the four deer seem distinct, even though they share one head in common. The craftsmanship is so efficient that it looks consistent and realistic.



Right opposite to entrance door of the hall on the other end is a small pillared antechamber leading to the sanctum. In the sanctum is a colossal image of Buddha seated in the vajra-paryankasana posture in preaching attitude. On his either side are standing attendants with chamara (fan). The Naga guardians at the base are stylistically related to the larger guardians in cave 20.
Each wall of the hall inside is nearly 40 feet long and 20 feet high. Every inch of this walls were originally painted, the pillars and the sculptures being no exception. Unfortunately, much of the paintings have peeled off, but from those surviving patches one can easily imagine its pristine grandeur. The cave contains some of the rare masterpieces of paintings such as Padmapani and Vajrapani. (we will see them soon other posts).

They have been painted in such a way that it is visible even though light inside is very poor. The painting is done using vegetable color.