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Ajanta,11 January 2000
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Divine Moods of Swamishri

The Caves of Ajanta

Twenty-nine Buddhist cave mandirs were hewn from the mountainous rocks over a thousand years ago. The Ajanta caves reflect some of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture and sculpture.
Discovered by an English officer, John Smith, in 1819, they are also popular for their beautiful mural paintings. Swamishri visited some of the caves on 11 January, 2000.

Swamishri approaching the famous Ajanta caves Outside the caves A series of imposing caves in the background
Swamishri approaching the famous Ajanta caves   Outside the caves   A series of imposing caves in the background
The cave mandirs are cut into the rocky side of a breathtaking crescent shaped gorge by the river Waghora The cave mandirs are cut into the rocky side of a breathtaking crescent shaped gorge by the river Waghora In the Chaitya Hall (Shrine Hall)
The cave mandirs are cut into the rocky side of a breathtaking crescent shaped gorge by the river Waghora     In the Chaitya Hall
(Shrine Hall)
Before an ornately carved portal of a cave A guide explaining the history of the Ajanta caves Swamishri being carried through narrow and steep pathways towards the caves
Before an ornately carved portal of a cave    A guide explaining the history of the Ajanta caves   Swamishri being carried through narrow, steep pathways towards the caves
Before the famous entrance of a cave The famous mural of Padmapani, a Bodhisattva Observing the murals on the cave ceiling
Before the famous entrance of a cave    The famous mural of Padmapani, a Bodhisattva   Observing the murals on the cave ceiling
In the corridor of a cave Blessing the palanquin bearers Blessings during an assembly
In the corridor of a cave   Blessing the palanquin bearers   Blessings during an assembly

© 1999, Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Swaminarayan Aksharpith