Ajanta
Ajanta
Places of Interest in Ajanta
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.
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.
Under his throne appears the Wheel of Life. The left wall of the hall shows
scenes from the Mahajanaka Jataka. To the right of the rear wall are episodes
from the Champeyya Jataka.
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Unfinished Caves
Cave 3 & 5: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.
Cave 8: An unfinished monastery excavated in the earlier phase.
Cave 23: It has some delicately sculpted figures of the river goddesses
and amorous couples and decorative medallions containing dancing Ganas.
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