Ajanta -Cave 1

This is one of the finest monasteries (35.7x27.6) of its kind and no other monastery at ajanta has been handsomely ornamented. The mahayana monastery consists of an open court yard , verandah , a hypostylar hall , sanctum with an anti-chamber and cells. The sanctum houses buddha in preaching posture with bodhisattva on either side and five disciples and a wheel flanked by the deers at the base of the pedestal suggesting Buddha's first preaching at Saranath. The door frames and pillars are beautifully carved. Every inch of this cave was originally painted, including the pillars and sculptures. The ceiling painted with geometrical florals and faunal depictions create in impression of decorative shamiyana held above. The walls painted with mostly jataka tales and scenes related to Buddha's life. The cave contains some of the masterpieces of the world of painting of padmapani and vajrapani.