Ajanta Cave is the concoction of 29 different caves, most of which follow similar painting style. We know that right? So, let us learn more about it.
Many times people ask us to describe the theme of Ajanta painting. So, why not do it today? That too, while describing to you what all is in store for you at the best of Ajanta Caves. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? So, here it goes!
CAVE 1 AND 2- the regal charms of Ajanta!

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
Located at the eastern extremity of the ravine, Cave 1 showcases the most regal charms with a courtyard, verandah and a seated Buddha. Fit for the ultimate divine power, this cave has been decorated to a craftsman’s full potential.
Star Attractions: Much famed Ajanta cave paintings, Bodhisattva Padmapani and Vajrapani

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
Cave 2 is no different from cave 1 until you look above and find the miracle of Shravasti and the dream of Maya delineated so awe-graspingly. Add it now to your travel list, just saying!
CAVE 3 TO 5- perfect imperfections!

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
If you wish, you can miss out on caves 3 and 5 as they are just two incomplete caves. But if you will miss cave 4, oh, it will be a bummer. Why? Well, because it has actual lava marks on its ceilings. Yes, it’s true!
CAVE 6 AJANTA

Shriram Rajagopalan
Do you know that cave 6 is the only double storied cave of Ajanta? No? Well, now you know, along with the information that this cave depicts Buddha in different moods.
The lower floor is no longer available for people to visit. You can visit the upper floor these days where you will find the murals of Buddha teaching his followers the real meaning of Nirvana. Also, paintings of Shravasti miracle are also put on display here.
CAVE 7 AND 8 – chill with the snake king

By Shriram Rajagopalan
7 cave number is one of the most note-worthy caves of Ajanta. Why do you ask? Well, that’s because it showcases Buddha sheltered by Naga Muchalinda (the many-headed snake king). If this isn’t a sight to behold, we rest our case.
8 number cave is the earliest of the early caves in Ajanta. Now ruined by landslides, it seems incomplete to visitors visiting it for the first time.
CAVE 9 AND 10 – more Buddhist sagas!

Source
Do you know which prayer hall is the oldest in Ajanta? No!? Then, let us tell you that you are reading about it right now. Yes, Cave 9 is the oldest chaitya excavated in 1st century BCE. It belongs to Hinayana sect of Buddhism with 23 pillars separating the aisles.
Paintings in this cave belong to two different eras. So, when you will look keenly, you will notice the difference in their styles as one of them belongs to the time of the first excavation while others belong to 5th Century CE.
Cave 10 has a similar structure to cave 9 but has 32 pillars separating the aisle. What makes this cave stand out on our list is its painted representation of Sama Jataka and Chhaddanta Jataka. Intrigued much? Well, we told you South India tour always comes with surprises.
CAVE 12- shhh secrets!

By Shriram Rajagopalan
This cave, on the other hand, is a Hinaya Monastery with whimsical paintings over its windows. Although one of its walls has collapsed, it still gives away mystic information of the past. Like, one of the inscriptions records that this monastery was a gift by a merchant named Ghanamadada. Who knows! There can be many more of these easter eggs to look out for.
CAVE 13 TO 15
13 and 14 are small viharas from the first phase of Ajanta’s construction. Although, there are no notable features to cave 13, Cave 14 exhibits a stunning depiction of Salabhanjika (a woman breaking a branch of a Shorea tree).
Cave 15 was excavated in the 5th Century CE. Nothing so noteworthy, just a quaint vihara like all the others. So, you can miss it too. wink*
CAVE 15 A AND 16- tracing the golden footprint

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
Okay, now you must be wondering, why this peculiar naming? Well, that’s because this smallest vihara of Ajanta was buried under the rubble when the caves were being counted. Doesn’t that add oomf to its existence already?
Cave 16 is the largest excavations of all time and the centre-most cave of this horse-shoe ravine. In fact, some of the finest murals are stored here, including the statue of Buddha in Pralamba Padasana Mudra. Well, if this got you caught up, then, wait until we tell you that this cave is ornamented with the paintings from Buddha’s life. So, get ready to witness various Jataka stories you all!
CAVE 17- Artistic innovation redefined

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
This cave is a Mahayana sect monastery with painted doors, walls, and ceiling. There is a distinct flavour to the art illustrated here. To put it correctly, it is very contemporary and the best example of it is the statue of Buddha sitting with his future self. Isn’t it mind-boggling already!?
CAVE 18 AND 19- Fables and tales

Cave 19 by Anandajoti Bhikkhu
Cave 18 is not a cave, we repeat not a cave. It’s just a counting error. Also, isn’t it hilarious?
The Cave 9 is decked in various intricately carved figures and decorative motifs. Most eye-catching of which is Buddha offering his begging bowl to his son Rahul right at the entry door. Furthermore, there is a standing Buddha carved on the front of the Stupa whose umbrella-like crown almost touches the roof. You’ll find Buddha is every possible pose here. And, that is something you should definitely look out for if you have come to Ajanta, don’t you think?
CAVE 26– Final Showdown!

By Anandajoti Bhikkhu
Ajanta caves painting here in cave 26 amazingly illustrate the demise of Buddha and the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance. Well, it is the perfect climax to the Ajanta trip as it ends with Lord Buddha, don’t you think?