Ellora Caves is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It comes under UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is considered to be the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave in the world. It features the religion of Hinduism along with Buddhist and Jain monuments. The artwork dates from the 600-1000 CE period.
The Ajanta And Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are often named simultaneously. Ajanta Caves and their structures were built over a period of 800 years starting from the 2nd century BCE. The structures of these caves evolved to have large halls with ornate pillars, carved verandahs, and columns. One can witness events from the life of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and scenes from Jataka tales.
The Ellora Caves also have many Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu rock-cut temples. The Kailasha Temple which was built in the 8th century CE is one of the most prominent temples. One can find many different features such as enormous pillars, gateways, statues, and corridors. All of these features depict scenes from Hindu culture.
Tourists must visit these caves when in Maharashtra, India. One can witness remarkably sculpted caves into the center of a hillside region. It consists of 34 Ellora grottoes and 29 Ajanta Caves. The temples stretch at a distance of 2-kilo meters. They are even lined with intricate facades and inner walls.
What All Does The Ellora Caves Have?
The Ellora Caves have 12 Buddhist caves which date back to the period of 200 BCE to 600 CE. There exists a total of 17 Hindu shrines that dates back from 500 to 900 CE. They lie in the central range of the Ellora Caves. Also, there exists a total of 5 Jain shrines towards the north. The Ellora Caves have served as a group of monasteries which are also known as viharas. They have also served as chapels which are also known as chaityas.
It is said that the temple was founded and started in the reign of Krishna I. The solid rocks of the cave were reduced to 150 thousand to 200 thousand tonnes. The temple is 164 feet long with a wide radius of 58 feet. There are various sculpted monoliths and corridors to it along with windows, walls, and steps.
There are carvings of elephants and other animals on the walls. It can be seen on the second floor of the building. One of the most impressive representations is King Ravana’s display of power at the Kailasa mountain. There also exists pornographic depictions of Hindu divinities.
Mysteries Behind The Ellora Caves
The most mysterious thing regarding these caves is that it is said to be built only with a hammer and chisel. Also, the archaeologists who have studied this place have said that Cave 21 is Ellora’s oldest Hindu cave. There are various statues that include door guards and heroes. Also, Cave 29 is said to have three lions guarded by staircases.
The Tourism of Maharashtra organizes a three-day Ellora Ajanta International Festival every year. It is celebrated in October where many famous singers and dancers also visit.
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