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.
True Masterworks!
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ALOHA from Honolulu,
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Wonderful series of photos.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent monastery, nice sculptures, interesting images and text.
ReplyDeleteWell preserved ruins !
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteNice captures of the wonderful sculptures.
ReplyDeletethanks for showing your world!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of the door frame.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful place and great shots!
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
Hello Rajesh
ReplyDeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat place - that door is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteInteresting!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely - I really like the framing in the second shot.
ReplyDeleteEverything about this monastery is beautiful. I can't get over how well-preserved everything is for being nearly 2,000 years old.
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder
Yes, wonderful art in this monastery, pretty pictures!
ReplyDeleteInformative...
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and huge structures from long ago~
ReplyDeleteThe chlorite door is superb.
ReplyDeleteA grand entrance!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
What a beautiful monastery !
ReplyDeleteGattina
ABC Team
http://gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com/
That door frame stands out beautifully. Such beautiful architecture.
ReplyDeleteGlad to be able to visit such places virtually.. thanks
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long it took the people of that time to build this place. Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteAmazing sculptures. Beautiful buildings
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots. Such rich heritage we have. If only more Indians begin to appreciate it and protect it.
ReplyDeleteWow! Excellent capture and perspective over the monastery... the door frame stands out among the other impressive layouts
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailing of Ratnagiri Monastery 1 with wonderful pics and facts. :)
ReplyDeletehave visited the place...it's amazing!
ReplyDeletenice pictures
ReplyDeleteRatnagiri 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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