Aurangabad - II: Ajanta - Cave 4, 6, 7

Cave 3: situated on top of cave 2, this is not of importance.

Cave 4:

Largest Monastery (35.08 x 27.65m) at Ajanta, belongs to 6^th century A.D. Though unfinished, the sanctum houses a colossal image of Lord Buddha in preaching attitude flanked by Bodhisattvas. The walls of the sanctum and antechamber are decorated with gigantic figures of Lord Buddha in Boon giving attitude. It consists of a series of unfinished cells, this cave is said to be once painted.

Lord Buddha

Cave 4 entrance

Cave 4

Buddha statues at Cave 4

Cave 5: this is an unfinished cave, and not of much importance. Though you can have a glance of the carved door frame from the outside.

Cave 6:

The only two storied cave of Ajanta. The lower storey has sixteen octagonal pillars to support the upper weight. The upper storey has a hall with cells and subsidiary cells. Both the storeys have sanctums with Buddha in preaching pose.

two storied cave 6

View from the first floor of cave 6

Buddha in preaching pose

cells and subsidiary cells inside cave 6

Cave 7:

This monastery is unique with an open hall with two small porticos supported by octagonal pillars. It has a sanctum sanctorum with Buddha in preaching attitude. The miracle of Sarasvati is represented in the ante-chamber.