Ajanta & Ellora Tourism
Ajanta & Ellora among the finest examples of some of the earliest
Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise
Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries,
used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings.
The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents
from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities. Among the more
interesting paintings are the Jataka tales, illustrating diverse stories relating
to the previous incarnations of the Buddha as Bodhisattva, a saintly being who
is destined to become the Buddha
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Places of Interest in Ajanta
& Ellora: This is one of the finest monasteries at Ajanta. Graciously
posed Bodhisattvas with elaborate headdresses flank the antechamber doorway.
On its either side are two of the best-known murals Bodhisattva Padmapani and
Bodhisattva Vajrapani holding a thunderbolt (right) accompanied by attendants,
divine musicians and flying figures.
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Excursions in Ajanta & Ellora:
Nothing quite prepare you for the experience that is Elephanta. Even getting
there is different from other trips. The motor launch from Bombay's Gateway
of India chugs out of the harbour, past fishing boats, large ships and little
islands, buoys bob up and down. The northern coastline of Bombay. reminds you
of the changing industrial and technological scene.
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Finished Caves: The left wall of the
antechamber depicts the assault and temptation by Mara, the god of passion,
and on the right wall is the dark princess being offered lotuses by a lady.
In the shrine, the Buddha is seen in the teaching position.
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Unfinished Caves: These are unfinished
monasteries of the second phase of excavation. Cave 5 is notable for its intricately
carved doorway with female figures standing on Makaras.
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