Buddhist caves - Hinayana and Mahayana

Here I am going to give brief explanation about Buddhist architecture. In earlier days there were two kinds of followers of Buddhism - Hinayana and Mahayana. Today they don't use the term Hinayana instead they call Theravada.

Hinayana followers dates back to the 3rd century BC. Hinayanas don't believe in idol worshipping. They believed in original teachings of Buddha. Look at the picture. On top of the tomb, there is rectangular structure and they used to keep Buddha's work , his hairs on this structure. This is how they used to worship.

Refer the link http://viewonbuddhism.org/vehicles.html

Baja Caves, Maharashtra

Mahayana followers believe in idol worship. They pray in front of Buddha's idol. The prayer hall will be filled with different kinds of Buddha and other sculptures. Currently most of the followers belong to Mahayana.

Ajanta Mahayana temple, Maharashtra

Even we find some temples with both Mahayana and hinayana styles. Look at this architecture style of Ajanta, where you find both the Buddha's idol and tomb structure.

Hinayana and Mahayana both

Generally in Buddhist caves you find prayer halls where you find either tomb or idol. If you see the ceiling on top it will be wooden. Imagine a wooden ceiling even after 2000 years resisted all calamities and stood tall. You will be amazed at the each carvings. Though these are Buddhist temples, you find Hindu mythological pictures on either side. Even you find 3 d sculptures which seems like looking at you if you stand in different directions. Some walls will have paintings depicting the people and ornaments of that era. Ajanta is fine example of such paintings. Archaeological survey of India is working a lot on saving these architectures for the next generation.

Even you find prayer rooms on both side of prayer halls or separate rooms. Mostly two monks will have one room. Look at this picture.