Cave-16

This vihara of the 5th century is one of the finest monasteries at Ajanta. Its verandah is a little wider than that of cave 1 (10 ft 8 in.; 3.25 m) but is similar in length (65 ft; 19.50 m). The main hall is, however, significantly larger, measuring 74 ft (22.25 m) at its widest end, with a ceiling height of 15 ft (4.60 m). The principal difference in plan is the absence of an antechamber to the shrine, which consists of a central chamber containing a massive figure of Buddha, flanked by side chambers. The hall has a central main entrance and two subsidiary doorways; the internal arrangement includes twenty columns with aisles along all four sides providing access to a total of fourteen cells. Two additional chambers are situated at either end of the verandah.

This cave is notable as the only one which retains the original steps leading up to its entrance from river level. It has a donative inscription of Varahadevaa minister of the king Harisena. The ceiling of the front aisle replicates wooden beams, the ends being supported by Ganas, musicians and flying couples.

This cave is notable as the only one which retains the original steps leading up to its entrance from river level. It has a donative inscription of Varahadevaa minister of the king Harisena. The ceiling of the front aisle replicates wooden beams, the ends being supported by Ganas, musicians and flying couples.

• Episodes from the life of Buddha in verandah, on back wall to the left of entrance;
  Sutasoma jataka in the verandah, above the pillars at front;
  Demons in front of a monastery on front wall, above the left door;
  Hasti jataka on front wall, further to the left
• Maha-Ummagga jataka in the front aisle on left wall and a pilaster
• the Dying Princess on left wall
• the conversion of Nanda on left wall, further to the right
  Figures of Manushi Buddhas on left wall, further to the right;
  Apsaras and Buddha in teaching posture on back wall, to the left of shrine;
  Buddha preaching on back wall, to the right of the entrance to the shrine;
  Scenes from Buddha’s life on right wall
  Scenes from future Buddha’s early life on right wall near the front of cave
  A palace scene: the birth of Buddha on right wall near the front of cave.