Cave No. 26 of Ajanta dated to 6th - 7th century A.D is one of the largest Mahayana Chaityagriha of dimension 25 X 12 m that has been elaborately and exquisitely carved with sculpted figures.
This magnificent Mahayana Chaityagriha was the gift of various devotees, named monk Buddhabhadra, Bhadanth Gunakara and Bhikashu Sanghmitra. The spacious forecourt, pillared veranda with two side porches, and an apsidal hall are main components of chaitya.
The facade, the inner pillars, the triforium (between pillars and roof arch), aisles side walls are extensively carved with images and decorative designs. The hall is divided by a colonnade into a central nave, and apse, and the side aisles around the hall which act as a circumlocutory passage.
At the apsidal end, the composite monolithic stupa is the main object of worship, whose pinnacle touches the roof of the vault. The stupa overlaid with intricate carvings contains seated figures of Buddha.
However, the most striking and prominent image is that of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall. Below this are also there are various sculptures.
Another prominent sculpture is Assault and Temptation by Mar-on the eve of Enlightenment These sculptures are of unique composition displaying delicacy and ingenuity.
The pillars with triforium and vaulted roof are all decorated with figures of Buddha and decorative motifs in paintings and sculptures.
This magnificent Mahayana Chaityagriha was the gift of various devotees, named monk Buddhabhadra, Bhadanth Gunakara and Bhikashu Sanghmitra. The spacious forecourt, pillared veranda with two side porches, and an apsidal hall are main components of chaitya.
The facade, the inner pillars, the triforium (between pillars and roof arch), aisles side walls are extensively carved with images and decorative designs. The hall is divided by a colonnade into a central nave, and apse, and the side aisles around the hall which act as a circumlocutory passage.
At the apsidal end, the composite monolithic stupa is the main object of worship, whose pinnacle touches the roof of the vault. The stupa overlaid with intricate carvings contains seated figures of Buddha.
However, the most striking and prominent image is that of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall. Below this are also there are various sculptures.
Another prominent sculpture is Assault and Temptation by Mar-on the eve of Enlightenment These sculptures are of unique composition displaying delicacy and ingenuity.
The pillars with triforium and vaulted roof are all decorated with figures of Buddha and decorative motifs in paintings and sculptures.
48 comments:
Those are incredible carvings, you did a very nice job photographing them.
Thanks for sharing these stunning & magnificent images.Happy Pongal.
have never been to India but have studied these beautiful sculptures while Chris has actually been there.Thankyou for these wonderful images.
Gems! Every single one of them. Loved the 1st one.
Great collection!! It entices the reader to visit the amazing caves and understand beauty of Indian art.
what carvings....mind blowing n stunning pics!!
Great capture and nice post.
Interesting and exquisite.
Great captures!
Have a nice week.
Amazing details and carvings, what a neat cave to visit. Have a happy week!
Magnificent photography and so historical ~ Wow!
(A Creative Harbor) on blogger ^_^
Brilliant photos.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
hi..happy new year....
this is so interesting...having read about the caves in standard 5th first, I have always been intrigued by them...and want to visit...unfortunately it hasnt happened yet..but maybe 2013??? amen to that!!!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/
The carvings in this cave are spectacular, but the entire cave is very beautiful. Thanks for taking us there.
Wonderful light, is a great place, delicious frames, these pictures are beautiful.
Wow, as always, magnificent shots of great sculptures! You are a very good communicator and tourism person of the grandeur of Indian past!
What an awesome place and your captures are terrific as always, Rajesh! Thanks for a great tour! Hope your week is going well!
what can i say? simply incredible.
Truly magnificent!
Great shots of one of the most beautiful sights in the world! I love the golden light too! Thank you for sharing it on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
I wish to be there again! Great pictures by you.
Wow what stunning images
oh u visitd here ,tht must b wonderful...such a incredible place...
a beautiful cave and your kids are adorable.
again awesome clicks -kudos :D
Beautiful carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Been away from ABC a while but these pics are worth a return.
Wow! What history your country has ~ Fantastic photography ~
(A Creative Harbor)
these are particularly awesome pics
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Excellent photos of the sculptures.
Wonderful shots of this fascinating place.
You always have such amazing photos of the caves in your country! Wonderful...
Leslie
abcw team
Such Amazing detail of this Ancient place.
Magnificent images. You know so much of the history of India.
Thank you for bringing this marvelous place to my attention.
An Arkies Musings
Beautiful photos. Your post as always adds to my geographical and cultural knowledge and this one particularly gave me several new vocabulary words! I thank you for that (keeping my brain active is good at my age!).
Thank you.
I've always wanted to visit them... these images are stunning. Imagine the years it must have taken them to carve all this...
Beautiful photos and I appreciated your words of explanation.
Must visit place in my opinion. Amazing shots.
incredible carvings
Absolutely Astounding.
Wow...very interesting! Beautiful work. You captured it well.
Stunning, I like the soft light.
What a beautiful cave full of history!
do Hindu worship Buddha too?
My dear Rajesh, your photographs never cease to amaze. I would one day love to visit India, as my aunt and uncle once lived there... Peace to you, Amy
http://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/01/11/zen-man/
Thank you all for appreciating the beautiful craftsmanship.
Remarkable sight and fascinating sculptors! Great photos Rajesh
Superb!
no words!!
http://hindustanisakhisaheli.blogspot.com/
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