Template:Infobox historic site Template:BuddhasHolySites The Ghatotkach Caves are located 18 km to the west of Ajantha, near Jinjala village, India.[1] The caves include three Buddhist caves, one is a chaitya and two are viharas. The caves were excavated in the 6th century AD, and were influenced by Mahayana Buddhism.[1]
The caves have an inscription by Varahadeva, a minister of the Vakataka dynasty under King Harishena (r. c. 475 – c. 500 CE).[2] Varahadeva is also known for a decatory inscription in Cave 16 at Ajanta caves in which he affirms his devotion to the Buddhist faith: "regarding the sacred law as his only companion, (he was) extremely devoted to the Buddha, the teacher of the world".[2]
The inscription at Ghatotkacha Cave is about the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.[1] At the same time, Varahadeva proudly affirms his Hindu heritage.[2] The inscription gives a long genealogy of the donor's family. It includes mention of a person named Soma, who had Kshatriya as well as Brahmana wives.[3]
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation advises that the caves are only for the adventurous traveller as access is difficult.[4]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Buddhist sites and shrines in India : history, art, and architecture{{#if:Ahir|, Ahir}. Sri Satguru Publ.(2003). ISBN 8170307740
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ajanta: History and Development, Volume 5 Cave by Cave{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. BRILL(2006). ISBN 9789047411871
- ↑ History of Ancient and Early Medieval India; From the Stone Age to the 12th Century{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Pearson Education(2009)
- ↑ Vision Tourism 2020 - Aurangabad District Perspective Draft Plan{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation(November 2010)Template:Dead link