Karla Caves-Rock cut Caves

 Karla Caves in Lonavala are rock cut Buddhist caves standing magnificently on Mumbai Pune highway

On way to Karla Caves, I do not know the name of these birds.

I dont know how  and why Godess Ekvira appeared in front of these caves.

The national emblem on the top of pillar (authentication)

The places related to Buddha bears the same design and pattern whether it is Sanchi, Ajanta Caves, Bhaje caves or Karla Caves.  This pattern is missing in Leh.

Carved figures adorn the entrance of caves. 

Here again it bears the same pattern of dress an headgears which is found in Era of Buddha or Ashoka.

Imaculatly carved figures

This Prayer Hall in the caves is the master pieces of  architecture.  This prayer hall is considered to be the largest in the country and  well preserved.

The wooden planks in the ceilings date back to 2500 years. 

It is the most astounding feature of caves and one wonders about the life of wood. 

No traces of ageing is found.....indeed wonderful

The ceiling of the cave is supported by these strong pillars.

These small cubicles are the vihars on the first floor of the caves. 

On entry of these cave one can find a Ekvira Temple. 

The place is thronged by locals for the reason of this temple only. 

Our country was so rich technically in that era,

it gives a feeling of pride. 

 How they have created such master pieces is really wonder ful.

Are we able to create such wonders in today's times.

Thiksey Monastry in Leh

Thiksey Monstry in Leh

A beautiful Monastry in Leh in the style of Tibetan Style rather it is Tibetan Monastry. 

This monastry is a 12 storey complex and is built on a hill.



This is the interior of  prayer Hall beautifuly decorated.

The kids in the monastry responded emphatically - No photo- when I tried to take the picture of one of the bubbly kids.  They had a school beneath the prayer hall. 

This is a view of Thiksey village from the Monastry.

This is a door to the library. An instruction written on the left side of the door

-PLEASE TAKE OUT YOUR SHOES MY DEAR FRIEND-

There must be a fixed time for the library, but I had no patience. 

 I found one of the windows open, so I sneaked my camera and took the pictures of the interiors of the library. 

Old books related to Buddhism are stacked here

 wrapped in bright colours.

Buddha as well as Buddhism always facinated me.  Before leaving for Leh, I had this thought of converting to Buddhism. But after visiting these monastries, I reverted back.  I do not understand why these monastries are so depressingly dark.  Buddha and Buddhism were born here but I did not find the traces of Indian Buddhims or Buddha in this part of India.  I could not understand this way of worshipping in darkness. 

Otherwise, I found Leh very beautiful. 

It is full of colours but I found the life dull.