Ancient Pilgrimage Site

Next on our pilgrimage was the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves. These caves date from 200 B.C. up until 1000 A.D. The caves representing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions, are adorned with intricate mural paintings and elaborate sculptures depicting religious figures. Some of the caves are grand temples whilst others are mere monks' caves meant for long retreats. It is interesting to note that the earliest of the Buddhist caves do not have any depictions of the Buddha who was traditionally not depicted until later. It was actually the Greeks who came to India that introduced the tradition of depicting the Buddha in sculpture.