Ajanta caves give a panoramic view of U- shape and are near river Vaghur. These caves are mainly dedicated to Buddhism. The paintings and carvings on the walls present tales of past lives and rebirths of Buddha as narrated in Jatak. Ajanta caves are almost 2000 years old. The caves are made by cutting and carving the large rocks. There are approximately 30 caves in the south of the fountain which is made of the river. The caves are at a height of 35 to 110 feet from the river. The first group of construction consist caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A. These all belong to Hinyana tradition of the Buddhists. The caves 1 to 8, 11 and 14 to 29 belong to second phase and are dedicated to Mahayana. Caves 19, 26 and 29 are Chaitya Grihas and the rest are Viharas for prayers.
There are 34 caves in Ellora which are related to Hindu, Buddhism and Jainism. Caves 1 to 12 belong to Buddhism. These caves are considered to be constructed in two phases - caves 1 to 5 in first phase and caves 6 to 12 in second phase. Ellora caves have sculptures and structural elements related to Buddha and their ways of prayers so these caves are known as Buddhist caves. Cave 11 and cave 12 are monasteries having three storeys. 11 caves out of 12 of these caves are Viharas, i.e., prayer halls. Cave 10 which is also known as Vishwakarma cave is a major hall for Buddhist prayers.
The caves 13 to 29 have temples dedicated to Hindu gods so they are also known as Hindu caves. These caves are considered to be constructed during the reign of Kalachuris (6th and 8th centuries). The caves 14,15 &16 were constructed during the reign of Rashtrakuta. Hindu caves were carved before any Buddhist and Jain caves. Cave 29 is also known as Dhumar Lena. There is a natural waterfall which is seen from a rock carved balcony of this cave in south direction. Cave 21 is also known as Rameshwar temple. It has a number of unique pieces such as depiction of Parvati’s pursuit of Shiva, Shiva Parvati wedding, Dancing Shiva, Sapta Matrika (seven mother goddesses) & Durga. Its entrance has a large structure of Ganga Yamuna representing two major Himalayan rivers. The cave is symmetrical according to principal Mandapa Square. Cave 16 is known as Kailash Temple. Among all Hindu temples, Kailash temple is most famous. It is the temple which was built by cutting and carving a single rock only. The temple consists of many statues but it is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some sculptures are dedicated to Ganga Yamuna Saraswati , ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Vedic gods and Goddesses such as Indra, Agni, Vayu, Surya, Usha, Ganesh, Ardhanarishwara, Harihara, Annapurna, Durga and many others. Kailash Temple is the masterpiece of Ellora caves. Among all the temples, Kailash Temple is the only temple which is visible from the air. Its entrance is towards west. The temple has bridges connecting the towers, rain water harvesting systems, drainage system, hidden underground passages, and elaborated balconies. Cave 15 is known as Dashavatara. It has Nritya Mandapam at its entrance. It has sculptures of ten incarnations of Vishnu, Dantidurga, Narsimha, Gangadhara, Nandi in Mandapam, Andhakasura and many others. Cave 14 is known as Ravan ki Khai & cave 22 is known as Nilkantha.
Jain cave temples are at the north end of the Ellora. These caves are small as compared to Hindu and Buddhist caves but have detailed carving. The 5 caves are actually a combination of 23 distinct caves which are categorized under three groups: 13 of these in Indra Sabha, 6 in Jagannath Sabha, and remaining in Chhota Kailasha. Cave 32 is known as Indra Sabha. It is a three storey cave. It has lotus carving on its ceiling. It has sculpted images of Ambika, Neminath seated on lion under a mango tree, and four Tirthankars of Jainism - Rishbha, Neminath, Parshwanath and Mahavir. Cave 33 is known as Jagannath Sabha. It is a two storey cave which has twelve pillars. The hall has two massive pillars in front. Cave 30 is known as Chhota Kailash because its carvings are similar to Kailash temple. The similarity between Hindu and Jain mythologies confuses a bit but more symbols shows inclination of carving towards Jainism. It has meditating images of meditating Lord Mahavir.
The Ajanta Ellora Festival is about dance and music. It showcases classical and folk dances, instrumental and vocal music, poetry and ‘mushaira’ from different regions of India. The The Ellora Ajanta Dance Festival is known as “Purvrang”. It aims at picture presentation of historical sites such as Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Lonar, Shirdi and the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Since 2002, the festival is being organized in Soneri Mahal. Prior to this, the same festival used to take place at Ellora caves against backdrop of Kailash Temple. It is a three days event and mostly held in the month of October.
Venue: Soneri Mahal, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Campus and Kalagram, Near Garware Stadium, Chikalthana, Aurangabad
Aurangabad is well connected in terms of transportation. Along with this Aurangabad have facilities of airport and railway station.