Monday, January 28, 2013

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.

38 comments:

Aarti said...

oh wow, gorgeous...Have been meaning to do a trip to Allahabad and the caves, hopefully will happen this year.. damn, too many places to see and too little time!!

:)

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Intricate, unique and exquisite..... also very well captured, as always!

Pradyumna said...

Great Pics!

Sylvia K said...

Such a grand building and amazing sculpture!! Wonderful captures for the day, Rajesh!! Have a great week!

Carver said...

The sculpture in the facade is fantastic.

Fun60 said...

The artistic talent of ancient societies shows such expertise that I doubt it could be replicated today.

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Barb said...

You've outdone yourself with these fabulous images, Rajesh. The ornate carvings of this site are magnificent! Since you say "cave," I'm assuming that the interior is all underground.

Gerald (SK14) said...

So much intricate carving - one wonders at the enormity of the design.

Joe Todd said...

What an interesting place. Thanks for sharing

Photo Cache said...

love all the carvings.

eileeninmd said...

Love the detail on the pillars and the cave! Great post, Rajesh!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos!
~Linda

lorik said...

Beautiful Ajanta Caves! Thank you for sharing them on Mandarin Orange Monday:)

R Niranjan Das said...

Wonderful captures of the cave!

http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

George said...

This is a very impressive temple. The carvings and other decorations are exquisite.

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Awesome...your posts are really feast to eyes...the photos are too good..

Anonymous said...

Fabulous shots of the grandeur!

Jeevan said...

It looks like a gem of architecture and rock carving! Marvelous and looks so elegant and neatly finished.

anthonynorth said...

Perfect architecture and sculpture.

Roger Owen Green said...

an awesome facade!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

photowannabe said...

Truly amazing ancient architecture.

Anonymous said...

Cool Caves !!

PhenoMenon, ABCW Team
http://capturedalive.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/climbing-an-elephant/

Tina´s PicStory said...

stunning pics! :)

Richard Lawry said...

Incredible, and very beautiful
An Arkies Musings

genie said...

Another amazing example of the exquisite architecture of old India. This one is gorgeous. Nice sculptures. genie

Chubskulit Rose said...

I wonder how old are those stone works?


Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Sudhir R said...

Dream destination for me

Hazel said...

Wonderful! I'd love to visit one day.

Leovi said...

Beautiful temple, beautiful photos.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

is there a record of the number of these beautiful buildings?

Lady In Read said...

someday, will visit....thank you for this peek

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So elegant and intricate. Just amazingly beautiful.

Joy said...

Beautiful carvings. I like how in India the Buddha is shown in such a variety of ways.

Anita Sabat said...

Lovely! Rajesh, have you posted for caves 1-18, too? I missed those!

Maniparna said...

Wonderful photographs ..Ajanta and Ellora never stop astonishing me..

Rajesh said...

Anita: I am yet to post on all the caves. I have posted some of them, but not in any order.