This 6th century A.D. cave No. 4 carved out from the mountains at Ajanta is the largest monastery planned on a grandiose scale but never was finished. There is an inscription in the cave, that mentions it was a gift of a person named Mathura.
It consists of a verandah, a hypostylar hall, sanctum with an antechamber and a series of unfinished cells. The hall has one main entrance and two-side doors. The decoration on the main door is very grand.
The outermost frame of door is sculptured with standing couples, flying pairs and sala-bhajanikas. The lintel is carved with seated figures of Lord Buddha. At the upper corners of the door frame are the bracket figures of horses with riders.
The hall has 28 pillars arranged in a square. A few of the columns in the back row are carved.
That sanctum houses a colossal image of Lord Buddha in preaching pose flanked by Bodhisattvas, and celestial nymphs hovering above. In front of the seat is a congregation of devotees and monks.
The walls of the sanctum and antechamber are decorated with six gigantic figures of Lord Buddha with left hand holding hem of the garment.
It consists of a verandah, a hypostylar hall, sanctum with an antechamber and a series of unfinished cells. The hall has one main entrance and two-side doors. The decoration on the main door is very grand.
The outermost frame of door is sculptured with standing couples, flying pairs and sala-bhajanikas. The lintel is carved with seated figures of Lord Buddha. At the upper corners of the door frame are the bracket figures of horses with riders.
The hall has 28 pillars arranged in a square. A few of the columns in the back row are carved.
That sanctum houses a colossal image of Lord Buddha in preaching pose flanked by Bodhisattvas, and celestial nymphs hovering above. In front of the seat is a congregation of devotees and monks.
The walls of the sanctum and antechamber are decorated with six gigantic figures of Lord Buddha with left hand holding hem of the garment.
39 comments:
This is a very impressive monastery. It was obviously planned on a grand scale. It's too bad it was never finished.
I wonder why Lord Buddha is holding the hem of his garment. I am sure there is a reason for everything. Very atmospheric photos from inside the cave.
So beautiful. Great decorations and carvings.
Thanks for sharing, Rajesh!
Fascinating to see these carvings and the contrasts in scale.
i liked those huge pillars :)
Buddhism and its accouterments has been around a long time. The artistry of so long ago is amazing.
Nice to hear from you again. Hope that all is well!
Wow , nice pictures.
How fascinating and lovely.
Very impressive photos and interesting post again,Rajesh!Thank you for it and have a nice weekend!
An awesome place and fascinating history! Great post for the day, Rajesh! Enjoy your weekend!
Nice serie of photos!
Wonderful! I love the last picture, beautiful play with light and shadows.
Thank you for sharing.
It's a joy to discover new part of the world.
Have a nice evening.
Mormor
What a cool place to visit. The statues and details are amazing. Great shots! Happy Skywatching!
Yes, this cave is wonderful. precious photos.
Wonderful shots from the cave.
Wow, you find the most amazing things.
Nice lighting in the shot!
Nice post, Rajesh:)
Impressive site!
excellent photography and infos
thanks
nice series and architecture
Brilliant shots of this enchanting place!I'm impressed by the figures on the walls, so many details and history!
Have a nice weekend,
Léia
Unfinished but looks so grand.
beautiful Rajesh.. I love the second to last Buddha especially.
lovely and extraordinary shadows!
Atmospheric shadows playing round the columns and Buddha figure! Fascinating photos!
These are all lovely and very interesting Rajesh!
I hope you have a great week!
Magnificent shots of the gems of your India travel!
Carol from (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Even unfinished it speaks of peace and devotion.
Excellent photos. Such beautiful carving.
Thank you all for appreciating this wonderful craftsmanship.
Impressive carvings.
great shots of a special place. Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Wonderful shots. Have a fabulous week!
Liz (yacb)
Wow , nice details :)
Magnificent shots!
Nice!
Great pictures..Ajanta and Ellora.. one of my favourite tourist spots
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