Relief, Ajanta Cave 23, Maharashtra, India
Cave 23 like Cave 21, 22, and 24 is a vihara or a monastery. The cave is unfinished but does have ornate exterior especially its Naga Mucalinda sculpture.
Note - Buddha meditating under the protection of Mucalinda is very common in Buddhist art. Mucalinda is a naga and as per Buddhist legends - he is the mighty King of Serpents who came from patal-lok to protect Buddha from a fierce storm. Once the storm cleared the serpent king bowed before the Buddha in his human form and returned to his palace.
Ajanta Caves located in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Ajanta Caves?
