Wonders of Buddhist shrines of Aurangabad Caves







The Aurangabad Caves are located on the hill from east to west. They are 2km north of Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad. Maharashtra. This set of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines are separated by 500 meters. Caves 1 to 5 are on the west side, while caves 6 to 9 are on the east side. To the east are the third cave caves, which include caves 10-12. The Aurangabad caves were discovered between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. They are now in the 7th century AD. Carved out of soft basalt rocks into the hills, these caves are a beautiful piece of architecture. They also contain finely carved examples of Indian classical art at its highest level.


Aurangabad Cave Temple:

Tourists love to visit Aurangabad Caves located between Satara and Sahyadri hills. They are also cultivated by Dudhana river. Its impressive architectural sculptures are a living testimony of the Buddhist settlement dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries.


Beauty Pillars:

The caves have old pillars with intricate carved designs. These pillars serve as a reminder of the masterfully constructed buildings from this era.


First cave:

The Aurangabad Caves' first cave dates to the 12th or 3rd century. Where the roof of the verandah has collapsed, there is an incomplete vihara, or mutt. Because of the weak rock formation that has prohibited large-scale excavations, the cave is difficult to conserve.


Cave 2

A rectangular shrine resembling typical Buddhist temples is found in Cave 2. It has a sizable picture of the Buddha sitting in meditation. On the walls on either side are numerous more Buddha sculptures.



Temple of Buddhism:

A sizable shrine to Buddha is located in the middle of the caves. Exquisitely carved wooden pillars support the ceiling. An image of Buddha is located behind the temple. From the roof rises a finely formed dome with circular beams. There is nothing except calm and peace about this place. Another name for Aurangabad is the Buddhist Caves.


Apsaras Cave in Aurangabad:


Another amazing work of architecture are the Aurangabad caves. In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, these celestial beings are called apsaras, or beautiful celestial beings. They adorn the cave walls as a constant reminder of their artistic ability and formlessness.



Cave Six:

Finely carved women with unusual hairstyles and ornamental details may be seen in Cave 6. The most noticeable figure in the center of the sculptures is Lord Buddha. This cave has cells on every side. There are pillars in the porch and verandah that serve as markers.



Cavern 7:

The most fascinating cave is number seven, with its intricate depiction of bezels and skimpy female clothing. This indicates the existence of Tantric Buddhism throughout that era. The shrine in Cave 7 is encircled by an exterior hallway. The passageway is lined with alcoves that are spaced at regular intervals and are home to a variety of sculptures that represent Buddhist deities. Exquisite pictures of Avalokitesvara or the Bodhisattva in the verandah flank the shrine's entrance.



Former Era:

Even after Ellora and Ajanta covered Aurangabad Caves, they remain breathtaking to view. It serves as a reminder of the splendor and holiness of Buddhism in those days. The monolith sculpture still stands today, despite the fact that many of the caves are still unfinished because of the risks posed by the loose rock floor.