Ajanta Cave 16

One well-known cave is Cave 16, which is in the middle of the Ajanta complex. It is one of the later Vihara caves and has some of the best drawings by Ajanta, making it a highlight among places to visit in Ajanta Caves.

The Welcome Gate of Ajanta is the name of Cave 16. There are two elephants at the doorway to greet people who come in. Some well-known drawings can be found there, in Caves 1, 2, and 17. An engraving found here says that Varahadeva, who was the minister of Vakataka king Harishena (around 475–500 AD), dug this cave out.

The 'Prince Siddhartha' Murals and Their Beauty

Artists once painted the entire cave, but now only a few small sections remain. They depicted many fascinating scenes from the Hasti, Maha-ummagga, and Maha-sutasoma Jataka stories. Other paintings show Nanda's change of heart, the wonder of Sravasti, Sujata's gift, Asita's visit, Maya's dream, the story of Trapusha and Bhallika, and the festival of plowing.

Depiction of Buddha's Mahajanaka Jataka Tale

There are beautiful drawings in the cave room. One of the most famous works in Ajanta is the picture of the Dying Princess in this cave. People say that Sundari died upon hearing the heartbreaking news about her husband, Buddha's half-brother Nanda. Nanda had decided to renounce the material world and become a monk.

You may also remember the story of Sujata, who gave Siddhartha (the Buddha) a bowl of kheer. It was the first thing he ate after turning into Buddha. This cave also has more Jataka stories. It tells the story of Bodhisattva as an elephant.

He threw himself to the ground and gave up his life so that hungry people could eat. Maha-umming Jataka tells the story of how Bodhisattva settled a fight between two women who both wanted the same child. Other drawings in this cave show scenes from the life of the Buddha and the Miracle of Sravasti.

The Architectural Perfection of Ajanta Cave 16

The huge hall, painted halls, statues, and decorated pillars in the monastery were all gifts from Varahadeva. He was an official in the court of Emperor Harisena. Varahadeva first built the pillared hall at this vihara, but its early construction soon made it seem outdated, making it a significant site to explore with Ajanta Caves tour packages.

The picture and its room in the inner shrine for Buddha were carved uniquely, though. The figure of Buddha is sitting in pralamba-padasana, which is also known as the "English chair pose." The sanctum does not have an entrance or an opening.