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Since ancient times, Aurangabad has been of great
importance due to its location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed
across Asia to Europe. Textiles and beads were exported to the markets
of Greece, Rome and Egypt, along with Buddhist teachings and Indian art
forms. Aurangabad's strategic position in the Deccan and topography so
impressed Moghul Emperor Tughlaq that he moved his capital down from
Delhi, renaming it Daulatabad, giving it the rare distinction of serving
as the capital of India. Later it was the seat of Emperor Aurangzeb, as
he fought to block the resurgent Maratha power.
Aurangabad's wealth of fascinating historical, cultural, religious and
ecological sites include the World Heritage Ellora and Ajanta Caves,
Daulatabad fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Lonar crater and Ghrishneshwar
Jyotirlinga among many others.
Aurangabad is easily accessible from the major cities of India by air,
rail or road. It is directly connected by 4 daily flights and trains
from Mumbai. It is also well connected to Delhi, Pune, Nasik, Hyderabad,
Ahmedabad, Baroda and Surat.
A janta
- 110km : (Closed on Every Monday)
Ajanta's wondrous cave
temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped
gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain
rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below - the Saptakund.
Dating back to the 2nd century B.C, they cover a span of 800 years where
under royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped
Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of
Buddha in his cycle of incarnations. Etched and painted in vegetable and
mineral dyes, the paintings have a langourous stylised beauty and
magical eloquence. The Ajanta Caves are a World Heritage site.
The famous caves of
Ajanta
 Caves 1,2,16 and 17 have the best preserved paintings and required days,
not hours to appreciate. The magnificent depictions of the Bodhisattvas,
Avalokitesvara and Padmapaniin in Cave 1 are particularly well known.
A court scene in Cave number 1, possibly the story of conversion of
Nanda, a fellow prince like the Buddha, decided to join the Buddha's
monastic order. His dilemma was leaving his wife Sundari and pleasures
of princely life for one of austerity, sacrifice and discipline.
In Cave 2, ceiling and wall paintings illustrate events associated with
the Buddha's birth.
A cameo of a woman at her toilet is universal favorite. For instance, is
the scene of Buddha's birth showing his mother, Maya, standing in the
place garden at Lumbini. Also in the same cave is the scene from the
Mahajanaka Jataka, where the queen and her attendants tempt the
shipwrecked price with all the art of this world.
In Cave Number 7, a sculptured frieze of miracle of Sravasti, when the
Buddha multiplied himself a thousand times.
The paintings at Ajanta in Cave 17 depict stories from the Jatakas or
tales of the previous incarnations of the Buddha. The doorway in the
verandah of Cave 17, is a row of enormous couples above which is a row
of seated Buddhas. The raised right hand, with the palm facing the
viewer, is a symbol of abhaya, reassurance and protection.
Cave 19 at Ajanta is amongst the best surviving examples of a rock cut
chaitya griha. The elegant porch is topped by the distinctive
'horseshoe' shaped window, which is flanked by yakshas or guardians,
standing Buddha figures and elaborate decorative motifs.
The interior of Cave 19 is profusely carved with pillars, a monolithic
carved symbolic stupa and images of Buddha which heralded the
introduction of Mahayana phase. The story of Buddha life served as a
perfect example of philosophy of compassion. Born as a prince, young
Siddhartha renounced his wealth and position to find the meaning of
life.
The Parinivana (ultimate enlightenment or liberation) came when Buddha
left the world- as depicted in the 7m (23ft) image of the reclining
Buddha in Cave number 26.
Ajanta provides a unique opportunity to study the early phases of
Buddhist sculpture, painting and architecture, which later influenced
artistic traditions in central Asia and Far east.
Location :
Aurangabad
Duration : 8 - 10 hours
Itinerary :
-
Pick up at 08:00 AM in
morning from Hotel
-
Around 11 AM at MTDC Tea
Junction for shuttle bus
-
Around half an hour reach
to Ajanta
-
Visit caves & see
paintings
-
Return back by
evening around 17:00 to 18: 00 PM & drop to Hotel
Number of Pax :
Guide Service :
- Optional on Request
- English Speaking or language of your
choice subject to availability
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