Monastery No. 1 at Ratangiri is the biggest monastery excavated in Orissa. The construction of monastery is assignable to 8th-9th century A.D.
This south facing monastery is quadrangular in shape and externally measures 55 sq. m. It has 24 cells with a spacious stone paved central courtyard of 21 sq. m. This magnificent structure is mostly made of brick but externally veneered with khandolite.
The stand out feature in the monastery is exquisitely carved chlorite door-frame. In the lintel it has Gaja-Lakshmi, where as the frame has bands of floral, creeper and human shape motifs. The door frame displays superb craftsmanship in its graceful charm. The ornate doorway is unique of its kind and showcases decorative art of India.
The sanctum enshrined with a massive seated Buddha flanked by the standing figures of Padmapani and Vajrapani holding fans on each side.
The facade of the sanctum is embellished with creeper pattern and elegant figures of door keepers.
The various sculptures carved in the monastery are true masterpieces.
This south facing monastery is quadrangular in shape and externally measures 55 sq. m. It has 24 cells with a spacious stone paved central courtyard of 21 sq. m. This magnificent structure is mostly made of brick but externally veneered with khandolite.
The stand out feature in the monastery is exquisitely carved chlorite door-frame. In the lintel it has Gaja-Lakshmi, where as the frame has bands of floral, creeper and human shape motifs. The door frame displays superb craftsmanship in its graceful charm. The ornate doorway is unique of its kind and showcases decorative art of India.
The sanctum enshrined with a massive seated Buddha flanked by the standing figures of Padmapani and Vajrapani holding fans on each side.
The facade of the sanctum is embellished with creeper pattern and elegant figures of door keepers.
The various sculptures carved in the monastery are true masterpieces.
32 comments:
True Masterworks!
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ALOHA from Honolulu,
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Wonderful series of photos.
Magnificent monastery, nice sculptures, interesting images and text.
Well preserved ruins !
What a neat visit to the Monastery ruins. The door frame and sculptures are amazing.. Wonderful detail. Great post, Rajesh! Have a happy day and week ahead!
Nice captures of the wonderful sculptures.
thanks for showing your world!
Love the photo of the door frame.
Another beautiful place and great shots!
Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
Hello Rajesh
A beautiful monastery.
Your two boys will know the history of India, they are lucky you take them on your photographic excursions.
Is that your beautiful wife too?
I would really love to visit one day.
Shane
It's really incredible to see that the doorway is still standing.
Worth a Thousand Words
Beautiful photos.
I really enjoyed this Rajesh...so many incredibly carved figures and that door is really amazing. Quite a unique stone...and that Buddha looks quite old and special.
Great place - that door is exquisite.
Interesting!
How lovely - I really like the framing in the second shot.
Everything about this monastery is beautiful. I can't get over how well-preserved everything is for being nearly 2,000 years old.
The View from the Top of the Ladder
Yes, wonderful art in this monastery, pretty pictures!
Informative...
Very interesting and huge structures from long ago~
The chlorite door is superb.
A grand entrance!
ROG, ABCW
What a beautiful monastery !
Gattina
ABC Team
http://gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com/
That door frame stands out beautifully. Such beautiful architecture.
Glad to be able to visit such places virtually.. thanks
Amazing sculptures. Beautiful buildings
Beautiful shots. Such rich heritage we have. If only more Indians begin to appreciate it and protect it.
Wow! Excellent capture and perspective over the monastery... the door frame stands out among the other impressive layouts
Thanks for the detailing of Ratnagiri Monastery 1 with wonderful pics and facts. :)
have visited the place...it's amazing!
nice pictures
Ratnagiri is a great place to visit. I believe it takes you one whole day to do justice to viewing all the monasteries and aterfacts over here.
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