The rock-cut Ajanta Caves of 6th to 7th century are world renowned for exquisite carvings and paintings. These paintings are chronicle on the life of Lord Buddha. The Cave No. 1 contains some of the rare masterpieces of paintings.
The most famous and precious painting of all is what is known as Bodhisattva Padmapani on the left wall of the hall when we enter it. The Bodhisattva here shown as an elegant prince wearing high crown with precious stones in it. On his neck is a pearl necklace, with a central big blue stone. In his right hand, he holds an open lotus, suggesting awakening, with his gracious bent head and his golden body, the almond eyes and the delicate eyebrows.
Another famous painting is that of Vajrapani (thunderbolt), one of the earliest Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of the Buddha, and rose to symbolize the Buddha's power.
Other caves also have some of the rare paintings of that era.
The most famous and precious painting of all is what is known as Bodhisattva Padmapani on the left wall of the hall when we enter it. The Bodhisattva here shown as an elegant prince wearing high crown with precious stones in it. On his neck is a pearl necklace, with a central big blue stone. In his right hand, he holds an open lotus, suggesting awakening, with his gracious bent head and his golden body, the almond eyes and the delicate eyebrows.
Another famous painting is that of Vajrapani (thunderbolt), one of the earliest Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of the Buddha, and rose to symbolize the Buddha's power.
Other caves also have some of the rare paintings of that era.
Highly stylized with beautiful use of color...just wonderful treasures.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! And truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteRemarkable!
ReplyDeleteThank you
Wishing YOU
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nice info and beautiful photos
ReplyDeletethanks
that is beautiful,,where is that taken from?
ReplyDeletevisiting from mellow yellow
http://getitfresh.blogspot.com/2012/12/mellow-yellow-monday.html
It must be cool to see the rare paintings. They are beautiful, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletethe details of the crown in the second photo is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMYM: Rock Ferns
Wonderful! Precious paintings.
ReplyDeleteRemarkable rajesh!!
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. I have friends in India, The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Several of them are in my home town now at the SCN Motherhouse. I have planned for years to come visit. But may never make it.
ReplyDeleteQMM
These are amazing!
ReplyDeleteEven after all this time the colours still look vibrant. They look truly amazing. I would love to see them in real life.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome and amazing place, Rajesh! I would love to visit there, but your photos are the next best thing! Thanks for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteAnother great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the most beautiful and wondrous places in the world. I will never forget my visit there long ago. Your photographs capture it well.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!!Love those masterpaintings!!))
ReplyDeleteGrear masterpieces. Do need to be preserved and conserved.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, intricate, just lovely. ...and once again makes me smile to think about how funny you must think it is when I posted about the very primitive cave paintings (from a later century) that I posted last summer when we were in the American Southwest). We're definitely a newer civilization, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteYes, those pictures are beautiful. sorry to be so damaged.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post...
ReplyDeleteNice clicks of some great works!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Would love to visit this place!
ReplyDeleteSuch rare jewels!
ReplyDeleteAmazing colours .........
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. And amazing!!
ReplyDeletev is for...
Very good post for V. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
ReplyDeleteVery intricate...
ReplyDeletePhenoMenon, ABCw Team
the artwork is VERY striking!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Beautiful and interesting!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from MYM- hope you can stop by..
http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2012/12/270-classic-cartoons-to-watch.html
incredible. i hope the govt is exerting extra efforts in the preservation and conservation of these historical gems.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and for the history as well!
ReplyDeleteGood thing, photography is allowed in that place. With that precious painting, the effect of light is not desirable to preserve its' beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi Rajesh,
ReplyDeleteAjanta Caves are at the top of my travel list. How gracefully Buddha and Bodhisattva are depicted!!
Buddhism in Japan is Mahayana Buddhism.
Have a great week!
keiko
Precious paintings...hope Indian Archaeology Dept is able to preserve them for many more years.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, last time when I was there, huge maintenance work was going on..
Thanks for sharing, Rajesh.
I would love to see these caves! Beautiful seems too small a word to describe such treasures.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating this beautiful paintings.
ReplyDeleteFlash photography is not allowed here as they harm the paintings.
Fascinating work of arts!
ReplyDeleteRose, ABC Wednesday Team
Rajesh, it's always a pleasure to visit your blog, because your love of India is always shown in your photographs. I love this. Peace, Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/12/15/violence/
wow, impressive carvings. beautiful photos as always.
ReplyDeleteTrue masterpieces... Yet to visit though.
ReplyDeleteOur rich heritage.
ReplyDeleteEven after so many years the first painting is as delicate and charming as ever.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos
ReplyDeleteI always wonder that how immensely talented those people were !!..Its amazing..
ReplyDeleteThis is what the Indian History has in store for us...and yet we silly descendants fail to respect and maintain any of it...
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