Cave No. 19, Ajanta

Cave No. 19 at Ajanta is a very grand chaityagriha of 5th century A.D. belonging to Mahayana cult of Buddhism. This hall of worship is considered one of the most perfect specimens of Bhuddist art of India.

The exquisitely decorated facade and beautiful interior, form a grand combination of richness of detail and graceful proposition. The exterior facade of the cave has small elegant pillared portico and projected ornate cornice, and a window at the top flanked by corpulent figure of yakshas against a background of delicately carved friezes. 

The sidewalls along with the facade are carved with array of multiple figures of Lord Buddha. There are two sculpture of Lord Buddha in standing position flanking the entrance wearing ornate crowns on their head. 

In front there is a courtyard with side-chapels flanked by two cells. In the left cell there is a beautiful sculpture of a Naga couple seated on a rock with a female chamara-bearer standing on the left-side.

The apsidal hall is divided into a nave, an apse, and aisles by a colonnade of 17 pillars. The votive stupa with an elaborate and elongated drum  and a globular dome stands against the standing image of Lord Buddha and other decorative motifs.

The columns have square bases, round shafts, and rich bands of carvings on bracket capitals. The sidewalls are also adorned with countless figures of Buddha while the ceiling is filled with painted floral motifs in which animals, birds and human figures are cleverly interwoven.  Paint still clings to the inner faces of the great arch at the entrance.

This cave is known for it sculptural grandeur of the facade and particularly the two life size Yaksha images on the exterior facade. The sculptural extravagant is exquisite.