Cave No. 4, Ajanta

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.