Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India, are close to Aurangabad and are regarded as two of the best examples of prehistoric rock-cut caves. Beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes adorn the Ajanta and Ellora cave complex, which also has Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Jain temples. The 29 Ajanta caves were constructed between the second and sixth centuries AD, whereas the 34 Ellora caves are more dispersed and date from the sixth to the eleventh century AD.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are well-known among tourists from all over the world and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located about 99 kilometers north of Aurangabad, the Ajanta Caves are mostly Buddhist structures that were utilized as retreats by Buddhist monks. Situated about 15 kilometers to the west of Aurangabad, Ellora boasts a more diverse array of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist structures. The Indian emperors of earlier eras funded the construction of these hand-carved caves, which were nearly completely covered by dense trees. The Kailash Temple is the most famous location in the entire Ajanta and Ellora Caves. It is also the largest monolithic edifice in the world. Some of the outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture may be seen in these rock-cut caves that feature engravings.
Things to do in Ajanta and Ellora Caves
1. Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves are 99 miles from Aurangabad town and are currently included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Through a variety of paintings and sculptures, the Ajanta caves portray the Buddhist culture and its stories. It also transports you to the Jataka universe.
Three rock-cutout Buddhist caves known as the Ajanta Caves were constructed between the second century BC and the year 650 CE. The Ajanta caves are home to numerous exquisite paintings and sculptures that showcase India‘s rich cultural legacy, making it one of the country’s most esteemed landmarks. The cave, which is naturally utilized by Buddhist monks as a retreat, beautifully captures the tranquility of Buddhism in its exquisitely simple sculpture. ‘Chaityagrihas‘ and ‘viharas‘ are the names of the caves’ fundamental designs. The focal points of this place are scenes from the traditional Jataka tales and figurines of Lord Buddha. The region was formerly densely wooded, and the caves were forgotten about until 1819 when a British hunting officer uncovered them.
2. Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora
One of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar Temple at Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, also called Ghrneshwar or Dhushmeshwar Temple, is devoted to Lord Shiva and is regarded as a significant pilgrimage place. The smallest of the Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar is regarded as the final or the twelfth Jyotirlinga in India.
All are welcome to enter the Grishneshwar Temple, however, men must enter the Garbhagriha, the main shrine containing the Shiva Linga, bare-chested. Additionally, this is one of the few Jyotirlingas in India where worshippers are allowed to touch the Shiva Linga with their own hands.
One of the most revered locations in Aurangabad, the temple is renowned for its South Indian-style architecture. The Grishneshwar Temple’s five-tiered shikhara is masterfully carved and built in the manner of ancient temple construction. The current temple was constructed in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore after it had been rebuilt numerous times.
3. The Buddhist Caves, Ellora
Most of the 12 Buddhist Caves are monasteries or viharas. Several monasteries have shrines in these caverns that are decorated with sculptures and paintings of saints, Bodhisattvas, and Buddha.
The most well-known Buddhist cave of them all is Chaitya Hall Cave 10, also referred to as the _‹€Carpenter’s Cave_″_. The chaityas, or stupa hall, is a feature of this cave that resembles a cathedral. A fifteen-foot-tall statue of the Buddha stands in the middle of this cave. Two shrines and a single cell are located in Chaitya’s verandah (gallery), which is supported by pillars.
4. Bibi Ka Makbara, Aurangabad
The Bibi ka Maqbara is a magnificent mausoleum dedicated to Rabia-Ul-Daurani, also known as Dilras Banu Begum, who was the wife of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It bears a remarkable similarity to the Taj Mahal. In 1661, Aurangzeb built Bibi ka Maqbara as a memorial to his late wife. In honor of his son Azam Shah, who was born in 1653, Aurangzeb dedicated this majestic structure to Rabia-Ul-Daurani, who departed for her celestial home in 1657.
The monument, also known as the Taj of the Deccan, is named after the place where the design for the structure was primarily inspired, hence its resemblance to the well-known Taj Mahal. Although Bibi ka Maqbara was designed to match the Taj Mahal, its proportions and architectural decay ultimately made it a copy of the Taj Mahal. By the way, this is one of the biggest buildings constructed under Aurangzeb’s rule. The mausoleum is a well-liked site, and the monument looks stunning against the backdrop of the mountain ranges.
5. Jain Caves, Ellora
A shrine and an incomplete hall supported by four pillars is Cave 34. The Ellora Caves are home to another location known as Samvatsarana, where the Thirthankaras preached after achieving omniscience.
A shrine and an incomplete hall supported by four pillars is Cave 34. The Ellora Caves are home to another location known as Samvatsarana, where the Thirthankaras preached after achieving omniscience.
6. Khuldabad
Khuldabad is a small town around 13 kilometers from Aurangabad and 3 km from the Ellora Caves and Ajanta, two World Heritage Sites. Known as the “Garden of Paradise” in the past, Khuldabad is today called the “Valley of Saints” due to the presence of numerous Sufi saints in the city throughout the 14th century. Several significant historical sites, including Aurangzeb’s Tomb, the Dargah of Zar Zari Zar Baksh, Shaikh Burhan ud-din Gharib Chisti, and Shaikh Zain-ud-din Shirazi, can be found in this holy city. The renowned Bhadra Maruti Temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, is also located in Khuldabad.
There is a location known as “the Valley of Saints” next to Khuldabad where it is thought that 1500 Sufi saints are buried. Aurangzeb took control of the city at the beginning of the 17th century, and he constructed a sturdy wall around it to protect it. The wall had seven entrances: Pangra, Nagarkhana, Hamdadi, Kunbi Ali, Mangalpeth, and a wicket gate known as Azam Shahi. Here are still visible remnants of the Mughal-era edifice. Khuldabad holds great religious and historical importance, making it a significant city.
When Is Best To Visit Ellora and Ajanta Caves?
The ideal months to visit Ellora and Ajanta Caves are June through March. In the summer months of April through May, it might get a little challenging to navigate and explore the caverns. The best seasons to explore the caverns are during the winter and monsoon, when the weather is favorable from October to March and June to September, respectively. To ensure that the sun doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment of your archeological expedition, steer clear of the summer months. The intense heat in April and May presents some difficulties for travelers.
