CAVE 19 AJANTA

Cave 19 is a magnificent chaitya hall, where monks could circumambulate a stupa. from which emerges an image of the Buddha.

The elaborate facade is partially due to intrusive additions, but was originally intended to be a magnificent display. Paint still clings to the inner faces of the great arch. Buddhas appear in profusion, and determining which were originally intended and which are intrusive is a difficult task.

To one side of the wide entry-courtyard is a shrine to the Nagaraja of the Waghora gorge, another tribute to the great local deity.

Inside, the cornice and pillar capitals are covered with Buddhas. The various postures may make the Buddhas identifiable. The entire interior was painted, including these elaborate carvings.

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