This beautifully painted monastery, Cave No. 17 in Ajanta is donated by a feudatory prince Upendragupta under Vakataka King Harishena in the late 5th century A.D.
It has some of the most magnificent paintings of Ajanta. The porch is a stream of jataka narratives and early Buddhist themes. Over the door are eight Buddhas, including Maitreya, the next Buddha to come. Even the sculptures on the door frame are beautiful.
The left end of the porch once had a magnificent kalachakra - the Wheel of Rebirth, showing the different possibilities of reincarnation according to your actions, and the possibilities of elevation.
It consists of a spacious hall surrounded by 17 cells on three sides, a vestibule and a sanctum containing the image of Buddha. The hall supported by twenty octagonal pillars and is pierced with three doors and two windows. The cave houses some of the well preserved paintings. Even though the ceilings are beautifully painted.
One famous Jataka tale called the Matropaksha Jataka tells the story of a Bodhisattva born as a six tusked white elephant that is attacked by warriors commissioned by the queen of Banaras. The Elephant-Bodhisattva removes his own tusks to present them to the queen.
It has some of the most magnificent paintings of Ajanta. The porch is a stream of jataka narratives and early Buddhist themes. Over the door are eight Buddhas, including Maitreya, the next Buddha to come. Even the sculptures on the door frame are beautiful.
The left end of the porch once had a magnificent kalachakra - the Wheel of Rebirth, showing the different possibilities of reincarnation according to your actions, and the possibilities of elevation.
It consists of a spacious hall surrounded by 17 cells on three sides, a vestibule and a sanctum containing the image of Buddha. The hall supported by twenty octagonal pillars and is pierced with three doors and two windows. The cave houses some of the well preserved paintings. Even though the ceilings are beautifully painted.
One famous Jataka tale called the Matropaksha Jataka tells the story of a Bodhisattva born as a six tusked white elephant that is attacked by warriors commissioned by the queen of Banaras. The Elephant-Bodhisattva removes his own tusks to present them to the queen.
36 comments:
Rajesh, the monastery is beautiful. The paintings and pillars are amazing. Wonderful photos!
These shots are extraordinary, just beautiful
How magnificent.
Interesting post . Beautiful photos. I love elephants!
Have a nice week!
Intriguing collection of photos. The wheel of rebirth is especially fascinating.
It's a beautiful painting. Seems like it depicts an old way of living. Thanks for sharing.
Kim,USA
Fascinating photos, and tale of the elephant.
These are amazing!
Lovely paintings. Happy new year.
The cave drawings and carvings are very beautiful.
The story of the turning Bodhisattva into a six tusked elephant is interesting Rajesh.
Each country has our own folk tales that make up who we are and where we have come from.
Thank you for showing us these wonderful sites in India.
I am your newest follower.
Shane
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
The paintings are mind blowing!
Beautiful!!!
Interesting place..
Magnificent cave paintings.
I love the culture your blog provides, Thank You for sharing!
I find all of this fascinating even though I don't understand some of it. So, there have been many Buddhas? And some in animal form?
Beautiful art and architecture.
Such interesting photos. I like the idea of reincarnation.
These were all very intricate and beautiful murals!
As always I'm intrigued by how well these paintings and sculptures have withstood the test of time. They are marvels of creativity and preservation.
What a wonderful old cave!
very intersting murals.
Lovely architect...
Just Beautiful
Definitely wonderful, too bad he's so damaged!
I always wanted to go there, might be in future anyway nice clicks. . . . . and have a Nice Day. . . :)
WOnderful photos. I wish I could visit to your country real soon
I follow your blog already.
Hope to follow each other
Greetings from Indonesia
Asep Haryono
simplyasepenglish.blogspot.com
Beautiful images, Rajesh. The paintings are very exquisite. It's mind boggling how old they are. It's a dream of mine to visit Ajanta caves someday. Thanks for taking me there virtually for now.
That is an amazing tale (the six-tusked elephant...) and this monastery is wonderful. Your photos are so beautiful. It is hard to imagine that this is in a cave.
fantastic!!!have a nice Tuesday
much love...
I love it - this really does look ancient.
So beautiful! I envy you for seeing this masterpiece up-close and personal.
Beautiful..
What beautiful imagery and craftsmanship.
wow interesting pictures.
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