Amazing India : Hauz Khas Delhi

                          

                              Hauz Khas 

• A modern day chic village located in New Delhi hosting some of the city's best restaurants and designer fashion stores.
• It is no doubt that Hauz Khas Village is one of the most happening spots in the city, be it day or night. It holds a plethora of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and so much more. 

Hauz Khas is close to Green Park and Safdarjung Development Area and is well connected by road and Metro rail to all city centers. A light and sound show narrating the historicity of the complex is organized by the Tourism Department in the evenings.

The complex is open for visitors all days of the week from 10 AM to 6 PM and there is no entry fee.

 

The Deer Park at the entry to the tank is a beautifully landscaped lush green park where spotted Deers, peacocks, rabbits, guinea pigs and variety of birds around the tank could be seen. 

The Ministry of Tourism of Government of India is in the process of setting up India's first night bazaar at Hauz Khas to be called the "Eco Night Bazaar". The objective is to provide organically grown foodgrains, seeds of rare plants, handmade paper products and a safe place to watch cultural festivals. 

Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTDC) has also proposed setting up an open-air theatre to present cultural fests, folk dances and plays. 

Eco–friendly shopping kiosk made in bamboo with a bamboo bridge to cross the lake are also planned. 

Heritage walks are organized regularly by The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), a non–profit organization set up in 1984, to highlight the heritage status of the places visited and actions taken to protect and conserve India’s natural and cultural heritage. These walks are organized every year during the week end as per a well publicized schedule

Amazing India: The Ram Setu

                     

                        The Ram Setu

Ram Setu, also known as God Ram's bridge from the tale of Ramayan in Hindu mythology, is an incredible chain of limestone shoals (bridge of floating stones on water in simpler words), between the islands of Mannar, near north western Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, off the south eastern coast of India.

The bridge is 30 miles (48 km) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sand banks are dry and t...he sea in the area is very shallow, being only 3 ft to 30 ft (1 m to 10 m) deep in places, which hinders navigation.The name, Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu (Sanskrit: setu : bridge) for the shoal of islands derives from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, in which a bridge from Rameswaram was built by allies of Rama that he used to reach Lanka, and rescue his abducted wife Sita from the asura king, Ravana. The sea separating India and Sri Lanka is called Sethu samudram, based on the same episode.

Danger to Ram Setu: 

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According to Hindu scriptures and belief, Lord Ram and his vaanar sena had built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka about 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago. The discovery of Shri Ram Setu by NASA confirms that Hindu scriptures and belief are correct in this matter and that Ramayana is history and not mythology as is often construed.

Setu Samudram [shipping canal project] is based on the notion that it is inevitable to break the Shri Ram Setu for easy navigation. This will amount to damaging a monument of both, historical and religious importance to Hindus.

Why Ram Setu should not be damaged

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Ram Setu prevented the tsunami from advancing from Rameshwaram to Kerala.

Spiritual Significance:

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This is a divine bridge.

Lord Rama and his vaanar sena had built it 17 lacs 25 thousands years ago.

In Puranas, the importance of Setu is explained in great details, especially in Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Agni Purana, and Brahma Purana

Physical Significance

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Ram Setu a natural barrier to Tsunami: During the last tsunami, the Ramar Bridge (at a high elevation) from the rest of the shoal accumulations acted as a natural barrier preventing the direct devastation of the entire Bharatam coastline south and southwest of Nagapattanam. Many geologists, earth scientists, and oceanographers have commented critically, against the disastrous consequences of constructing SSCP. Amongst these is the impending devastation of Kerala, which will suck in after implementation of SSCP, after next Tsunami hits it.

Many Naval officials are saying that even after the completion of SSCP, the depth of the canal shall be only 12 meters (about 36 feet ), and only small and medium sized vessels shall be able to pass. Large sized vessels and carriers shall not be able to pass.

Social Significance:

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The construction of SSCP is trampling upon the feelings and emotions of millions and millions of Hindus.

Besides, this bridge is world's oldest man-made structure. It is much much older than the pyramids of Egypt, and the Great Wall of China. Ram Setu has sentimental, religious and historic value. People have crossed the sea using the Rama- Setu , for many thousand years, until the 15th century.

Click Here For 10 Incredible Facts about RAMA Setu you should know. - YouTube

Amazing India: Tirupati Balaji Temple

                  Tirupati Balaji Temple

Considered as the most sacred and the richest temple in the world, Tirupati temple is situated in the town of Tirupati. It is located 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a major pilgrimage center of south India. Besides, Tirupati also focus on other attraction of this place, the ancient and famous shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills are worth a viist.

The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam having an height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture also speaking volumes about its grand past. It is an important pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting to get a glance of the presiding deity.



Temple Architecture

The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The 'Vimana' or Cupola, named the "the Ananda Nilayam" is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold plate.

There are three 'Prakarams' or enclosures in the temple, among them the outermost enclosure boasts of the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar.

The image of the temple deity represents both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is considered as the preserver whereas the Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer in Hindu religion.


Facts About Tirupati Balaji Temple

1. The Arch at the entrance of Tirumala Hills, which resembles the hood of a serpent is considered unique in the world. It is said that main deity in Tirumala temple is of the same height as the height of the Arch. Lord Vishnu is said to have put his first foot down at a place called Padalu, which is the highest point of Tirumala hills, Second step at the location of the arch and the next step is stated to have been placed where his idol is now worshipped in the temple at Tirumala.

2. At the entrance of the main door (Mahadwaram of the temple), to the right side, a stick which was used by Ananthaalvar to hit Venkateshwara Swamy is present. Ananthatalvar hit Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on the chin when Swamy was in his childhood, which oozed blood. Since then, the practice and tradition of applying sandalwood paste on Swamy’s chin came into existence.

3. It is said that there is real hair on the main idol of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy and they say that this hair is always silky smooth and never tangles.

When Balaji lost a small portion of hair after hit by a shepherd, Neela Devi a Gandharva princess cut a portion of her hair and implant it on his scalp. Lord Balaji promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received.

4. A Chemical kaccha Karpooram (Green Camphor), a soft white chemical is applied on the idol of Balaji every day. The fact is that, if this chemical is applied on a granite stone, cracks will appear on it. But surprisingly, even this is applied on Balaji every day; there is no damage to the stone.

5. There is a secret village, approximately 23 Kms from the temple in Tirumala, where no one is allowed except the residents of the village. The people are said to be living with strict practices and tradition. It is from this village, that all the flowers, milk, ghee, butter are sourced for the God.

6. When someone dies how one does not see behind and lights the fire, similarly, the flowers removed from Swamy are thrown in the water fall at the back of Swamy. It is said that the pujaris do not look at the back of the Swamy that entire day. All these flowers can be seen floating at a place called Verpedu (located on the way to kalahasti) which is 20 km from Tirupati.

7. Lord Venkateshwara statue appears to be standing at the center of the Garba Gudi. But, actually, Swamy stands at the right side corner of the Garba Gudi. This can be noticed from standing outside.

8. No matter how many times, the back of Swamy is dried, it always remains wet. If you carefully keep your ear and listen against Swamy’s back, sound of an ocean is heard.

9. The oil lamps lighted in front of the Swamy idol are said to be lit since thousands of years. It is also said that they never ever put off and no one exactly knows since when these lights are lit.

10. During 1800’s, the temple was said to be closed for 12 years. One King of that time is said to have punished 12 people by killing them and hanging them on the walls of the temple for doing the unsacred thing at the temple. They say that it was at this time that Vimana Venkateshwara Swamy has come to existence.

11. It is said that the idol of Balaji always maintains a temperature of 110 degrees F. But the temple is at a height of about 3000 feet so the climate is normally cold.

It is also said that every morning at 4: 30 am after the Abhishekam is done with water, milk as well as other dravayam, sweat appears in the orm of fine water particles on the body of the idol, which is wiped off with a silk cloth. On every Thursday when ornaments are removed before sacred bath it is noticed that they are warm.

Amazing India:The Khajuraho Group of Monuments

       The Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Khajuraho Temples are among the most beautiful medieval monuments in the country. These temples were built by the Chandella ruler between AD 900 and 1130. It was the golden period of Chandella rulers. It is presumed that it was every Chandella ruler has built atleast one temple in his lifetime. So all Khajuraho Temples are not constructed by any single Chandella ruler but Temple building was a tradition of Chandella rulers and followed by almost all rulers of Chandella dynasty. 

The first recorded mention of the Khajuraho temples is in the accounts of Abu Rihan al Biruni in AD 1022 and the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in AD 1335. Local tradition lists 85 temples in Khajuraho out of which only 25 temples are surviving after various stages of preservation and care. All these temples are scattered over an area of about 9 square miles. 

Khajuraho is believed to be the religious capital of Chandellas. Chandella rulers had tried to discriminate politics from religious & cultural activities, so they established their political capital in Mahoba which is about 60km. away from Khajuraho and religious/cultural capital in Khajuraho. Whole Khajuraho was enclosed by a wall with about 8 gates used for entry/exit. It is believed that each gate is flanked by two date/palm trees. Due to these date trees present Khajuraho get its name Khajura-vahika. In hindi language, “Khajura” means ‘Date’ and “Vahika” means ‘Bearing’. In history Khajuraho is also described with the name of Jejakbhukti.

After fall of Chandella dynasty (after AD 1150), Khajuraho Temples suffered destruction & disfigurement by muslim invaders in this area which forced local people to leave Khajuraho. As muslim invaders had a ruling policy of intolerance for worship places of other religions so all the citizens of Khajuraho left the town with a hope that its solitude will not attract attention of muslim invaders into the temple area and in this way both temple and they themselves will remain unhurt. So from about 13th century to 18th century, Khajuraho temples remain in forest cover, away from popularity till it was re-discovered by British engineer T. S. Burt.

       Facts About The Khajuraho Group of Monuments

1. Origin of the Name

The city derives its name from the Hindi word 'khaujur' which means 'date' as the city walls were adorned with date palms. During ancient times, Khajuraho was known as Khajjurpura.

2. Temples Built in Sandstone 

most of the temple structures are built in sandstone, along with varying shades of pink, buff and yellow. 

3. The Degenerated Temples 

During the medieval period, there were 85 temples in Khajuraho, out of which only 22 Hindu temples remain, the rest being ruined due to natural calamities. 

4. The Erotic Sculptures 

Though the common perception is that the Khajuraho temples are rich in erotic and sensual sculptures, only around 10% of these sculptures depict sensuality, the rest of them displaying various aspects of daily life like potters and farmers at work, musicians composing, women dressing up, etc.

5. Best Preserved Monuments of Antiquity 

The Archaeological Survey of India has ranked Khajuraho monuments as the best preserved monuments of antiquity.

6. The Interiors of the Temples 

The rooms inside the temples are inter-connected on the East-West line. Each of the rooms has an entrance, a hall, a sanctum and a vestibule. 

7. Images of Gods and Goddesses 

The images of Gods and Goddesses at the Khajuraho temples represent the various manisfestations of Shakti and Shiva, or the Yin and Yang, the female and male principles. 

8. Division of Temples 

The Khajuraho cluster of temples are divided into three groups - Western, Eastern and Southern. 

9. Rediscovery of Temples 

The temples that were built during the medieval period were later rediscovered only in the 20th century, after which they have been preserved. 

10. High Point of Architectural Genius 

The temples of Khajuraho are believed to be the high point of Indian architectural genius during the medieval times.

Amazing India:The Ganges River

                     The Ganges River

The Ganges also called the Ganga ,is the second largest river on the Indian subcontinent by discharge. Ganges river is named after a Hindu goddess called Ganga. Geographists to Historians and Mythologists regard Ganges as the heart of Indian culture, tradition and living.The Ganges, also Ganga is a trans-boundary river of Asia which flows through the nations of India and Bangladesh.

The Ganges is the biggest river in the Indian subcontinent in terms of water flow. The length of the Ganga is 2,510 km or 1,560 miles. The river has its origin in the Western Himalayan Ranges in the state of Uttarakhand. The followers of Hindu religion regard the Ganges to be the most sacred of all the rivers in India. The river is revered as the deity Ganga in Hindu religion. The river also has significant historical values - a number of colonial or royal capitals like Kannauj, Patliputra (modern day Patna), Allahabad, Kara, Baharampur, Murshidabad, and Kolkata are situated on the riverbanks of the Ganges.

The Ganges River Catchment Basin covers an area of 390,000 sq miles (1,000,000 sq km) and supplies to one of the maximum populated areas in the world. The average depth of the Ganges River is 16 m or 52 feet and the highest depth is 30 m or 100 feet. The river has been proclaimed as the National river of India. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, cited a number of emblematic interpretations regarding the Ganges on the Indian subcontinent in his famous book, the Discovery of India (published in 1946).

The Ganges passes through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.


According to Hindus

• According to Hindu religion a very famous king Bhagiratha did tapasya for many years constantly to bring the river Ganges, then residing in the Heavens, down on the Earth to find salvation for his ancestors, who were cursed by a seer. Therefore, Ganges descended to the Earth through the lock of hair (Jata) of god Shiva to make whole earth pious, fertile and wash out the sins of humans. For Hindus in India, the Ganges is not just a river but a mother, a goddess, a tradition, a culture and much more. 

• Ganga River is also said to be the river of supreme Lord Rama and also called "Ram Ganga" as there is a belief Lord Rama promised while Ganges emerged from his feet that, when He will appear on earth as Lord Rama will reside on the banks of Ganga and her tributaries. Lord Ram then appeared in Ayodhya which is on the banks of Saryu Ganga River, when he went to Janakpuri he crossed River Ganga in Haridwar. During his 14 years exile from Sita, his wife and brother Lakshmanaafter leaving Ayodhya his first night stay was at Tamsa River (Ganga tributaries), his second stay was at Shrungverpur which is on the banks of Ganga and with the help of Nishadraj Gruh and Kevat he crossed Ganga, he then went to Triveni sangam, Prayag Raj stayed with Muni Bharadvaj and then marched towards Chitrakoot and stayed there for 11 and half years on Kamadgiri parvat on the banks of Mandakini, holy stream. From there he went to Panchvati and stayed on the bank of Godavari until his wife sitaji was abducted by demon king Ravana. The search for his beloved wife Sita, Lord Rama went to Rameshwaram, as it is said all rivers meet the ocean. 

• Some Hindus also believe life is incomplete without taking a bath in Ganges at least once in their lives. Many Hindu families keep a vial of water from the Ganges in their house. This is done because it is prestigious to have water of the Holy Ganges in the house, and also so that if someone is dying, that person will be able to drink its water. Hindus also believe that the water from the Ganges cleanses a person`s soul of all past sins, and that it can also cure the ill.

Interesting Facts about The Ganges River

1. River Ganga is about 1557 miles long(2506 km).
2. The Ganges basin is about 200 to 400 miles (322 to 644 km) wide.
3. River Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier, on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, which is 14,000 feet above sea level.
4. Rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join each other at Devprayag to form River Ganga.
5. Hindus have always believed Ganga Jal to be pure, pious and drinkable.
6. In many Hindu rituals (from birth to death) much reverence is given to Ganga water.
7. River Ganga is considered to be very pure.
8. In 1896, a British bacteriologist Ernest Hanbury Hankin tested the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae that causes the deadly disease cholera, and found that this bacterium died within three hours when put into the waters of Ganga.
9. The same bacteria continued to thrive in distilled water even after 48 hours.
10. The presence of bacteriophages (viruses that kill bacteria) in the water of the Ganges is considered as the reason behind this quality and its purity.
11. In a study conducted by Malaria Research Center in New Delhi it was observed that water from the upper ambits of Ganga did not host mosquito breeding, and also prevented mosquito breeding if added to other water sources.
12. An unknown substance in Ganga acts on organic materials and bacteria and kills them.
13. The Ganga’s self-purifying quality leads to oxygen levels 25 times higher than any other river in the world.
14. Mistpouffers or Barisal Guns are unexplained sounds that resemble a sonic boom that have been reported to be heard in Ganga. They resemble the sonic boom of a supersonic jet.
15. The Ganga in Haridwar has shifted from its original course by 500 meters in the past few decades. In Bihar, some parts of the river have shifted more than 2.5 km since 1990.
16. River Ganga holds a sacred place in the hearts of Indians.

Amazing India: Tajmahal

                              
                                  About Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess who died giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan's grief after the death of Mumtaz Mahal illustrate the love story held as the inspiration for Taj Mahal.The principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.

Interesting facts: Taj Mahal.

1. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whom he held precious. Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to the fourteenth child of the emperor, and she died in the process. This was in 1631. Legend has it that Shah Jahan, who considered his empress an integral part of his life, was broken after her death, and within just a few months, his hair and beard grew snow white, such was the terrible impact of the demise upon him.

2. Time and amount

The construction of the Taj Mahal was begun in 1632, a year after the death of Empress Mumtaz. The construction was completed in the year 1653, which means that it took approximately 22 years to complete this astounding piece of architecture. At that time, the estimated construction cost was a whopping sum of Rs. 32 million, which, when considered in terms of today’s value of money, would be something way above $1 billion.

3. Construction and employees

The architect behind all the magic was Ahmed Lahauri. He put more than 20,000 people into building the Taj, including labourers, stonecutters, painters, embroidery artists, calligraphers, and many others. But, how were the stones and materials required for the construction of the mausoleum transported? Well, elephants were employed to do the task, and amazingly, there were more than 1,000 of the majestic creatures employed.

4. Materials Used

The magnificent edifice is bounded on three sides by red stone walls. It is constructed completely of white marble. The emperor had marbles of the best quality brought from Rajasthan, Afghanistan, Tibet and China. But this was probably not enough for the emperor. It is believed that more than 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones, including the striking lapis lazuli, were inlaid into the marble. Now we know where all the money went.

5. Inscriptions

The Taj Mahal being the dedication and homage of Mumtaz Mahal, it has calligraphy all over the interior and exterior, which, among other patterns and holy inscriptions, also has calligraphy on the tomb that identifies and praises Mumtaz Mahal. Another interesting fact is that there are 99 names of Allah found on the sides of the actual tomb as calligraphic inscriptions. After all, Shah Jahan did envision Mumtaz’s home in the paradise, and Taj Mahal was that imagination coming to life.

6. The Perfection that Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most symmetrical structures. Its four sides are perfectly identical, built using the principles of self-replication and symmetry in geometry and architecture, thus creating a mirrored image on either side. But, to keep the male tomb larger than the female, the two tombs inside are unequal in size. The four minarets were prudently built slightly outside of the plinth, so that if they fell, they would fall outside, and not upon the main structure.

7. Changing Moods of the Taj Mahal

Did you know that the Taj Mahal dose different colours at different times of the day? The white marble and the reflective tiles help the Taj change colours. In the early morning, it assumes a shy pinkish hue, which turns to a glowing white as the day rolls on, and turns a burnished golden at night in the moonlight. The Taj Mahal is a particular attraction when on full moon nights. The changing colours are said to be analogous to the moods of a woman – Mumtaz Mahal, to be specific.

8. Attack on the Taj Mahal

The rebellion of 1857 took a toll on the Taj which was partially damaged. The soldiers had also chiselled out some of the stones and lapis lazuli, and the garden was harmed. At the end of the 19th century, Lord Curzon, the erstwhile Viceroy of British India, ordered its renovation through an extensive project which was completed in 1908. The garden that we see today was incorporated to restore the lost elements of the Charbagh. He also gifted a chandelier, which hangs in the Taj Mahal.

9. Myths

One of the common myths about the Taj Mahal is that Emperor Shah Jahan had the thumbs of the workers chopped off, to prevent them from constructing a replica of his masterpiece. However, this is not true. Another popular myth suggests he wanted to build a black Taj Mahal, but was unable to execute his plan after being deposed. The idea probably generates from European traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier’s fanciful writings, but has no evidence to support its validity.

10. Taj Mahal was a Shiv Temple?

The Taj Mahal was built with a blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles of architecture, and is considered the magnum opus of Mughal era’s architectural exploits. However, in an Indian writer, P. N. Oak, went on to claim that the Taj Mahal was actually a Shiv Temple and a Rajput palace, Tejo Mahalaya, built by a Hindu king Parmar Dev, and had been seized by Shah Jahan. His petition in 2000 to declare the same, and excavate the site for proof, was dismissed by the High Court.

Amazing India: Ajanta And Ellora

              Ajanta And Ellora Caves

The Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The carvings and paintings at Ajanta date back to the beginning of the era of classical Indian art. The Ajanta caves along with the ones the Ellora are some of the most beautiful caves in India. These caves are some of the most mesmerizing ones in the country, especially with paintings that take us back in time all the way between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. The caves are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The caves of Ajanta are home to some of the most magnificent masterpieces of Indian art.
The Ellora Caves and the Ajanta Caves are near Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Interesting facts about the Ajanta Caves :

1.It is believed that several Buddhist monks spent a significant amount of time at the Ajanta caves during the monsoons as they were forbidden from travelling during that particular period of the year. This was the time when the monks put their creativity and time to use and painted the walls of the caves.

2. It was only in 1819, when Jon Smith, who belonged to the 28th Cavalry accidentally chanced upon the horse-shoe shaped rock while hunting a tiger in and around the Deccan Plateau region. The entrance to the cave like structures intrigued the British official enough to make them cross the Waghora River in the vicinity and reach the caves. Soon, archaeological experts excavated the sites and the news of discovery of these caves spread like wild fire making it an instant hit among European travelers.

3. Apart from the stunning paintings and sculptures, there were also huge Buddhist mounds like stupas built, massive pillars intricately detailed carvings on the ceilings and walls made big news, giving the Ajanta caves the status of a heritage site.

4. It was soon studied that there were over 30 caves in the cave complex out of which one part of the complex was developed during the Satvahana period and the other was done during the Vakataka period. After closely studying several of these artefacts, historians and archaeologists speculated a connection between the Vakataka dynasty that ruled the region to the Gupta dynasty of north India!

5. During the first phase of construction, the sanctuaries known as the Chaitya-grihas were built in the canyons of the Waghora River. Caves 9, 10, 12 and 15 A were built in the first phase during the Satavahana dynasty.

6. The second period of construction was carried out during the rule of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty. Close to 20 cave temples were simultaneously built which resemble the modern day monasteries with a sanctum in the rear end of the structure.

7. Towards the end of the reign of Harisena, these caves were abandoned and eventually forgotten through the centuries. The dense forests were partly to be blamed for camouflaging these caves.

8. The Ajanta caves are home to paintings and sculptures that depict heavy influence of Buddhist philosophy and religious teachings of the Buddha. Various incidents from the life of Gautam Buddha and the Jataka Tales are represented and recreated on the walls of these caves. Scenes from the royal court of the respective eras are also painted.

9. Through his life, Buddha was against the idea of sculpting and painting images of him. He  preached that life was a process through which one must overcome desire in order to attain salvation or nirvana.

10. However, after Buddha’s death, his followers who wanted to worship him, decided to paint his images so that they had something to hold on to while spreading the faith and teachings of the Buddha.

11. At the entrance of the first of Ajanta caves, you will be greeted by a tall image of the Buddha. The doorway to the cave is decorated with auspicious motifs and the cave has numerous sculptures and paintings of Bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani; carvings of princesses, lovers, maids and dancing girls; scenes depicting the Persian Embassy, Golden Geese, Pink Elephants and Bull Fights.

12. Though the caves are over 2,000 years old, the Buddha statues had been added close 600 years later.

Interesting facts about the Ellora Caves :

1. Ellora  is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India. The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism from the 600-1000 CE period. Cave 16 of Ellora features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailasha temple, a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Shiva. The Kailasha temple excavation also presents the gods, goddesses and mythologies found in Vaishnavism, Shaktism and relief panels summarizing the two major Hindu Epics.

2. The site features over 100 caves, of which 34 caves are open to public.These were excavated out of the vertical basalt cliff in the Charanandri hills. These consist of 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves. Each group presents the respective deities and mythologies prevalent in 1st millennium CE, as well as the monasteries of that religion.They were built in proximity and illustrate the religious harmony prevalent in ancient India. All Ellora monuments were built by Hindu dynasties, such as the Rashtrakuta dynasty who built some of the Hindu & Buddhist group of caves, and Yadav dynasty who built some of the Jain group of caves.

3.Ellora was an important historic commercial center of the Deccan region, located on an ancient trade route of South Asia. The caves served as monasteries for monks, temples for prayers and a place for pilgrims to rest, but now is an archaeological site. It is 29 kilometres (18 miles) north-west of the city of Aurangabad, and about 300 kilometres (190 miles) east-northeast from Mumbai. Ellora Caves, along with the nearby Ajanta Caves, form one of the major tourist attractions in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Ellora is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India