Kailashnath Temple , Ellora - a photo on Flickriver

            Ellora is a World Heritage Site some 30 kms from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India.It is one of the largest rock-cut temple complexes in the world.There are over 100 caves built approximately between 6th century and 12th century A.D.34 of these caves are open to the public.Of these,17 are Hindu caves,12 are Buddhist and 5 are Jain caves.These caves contain sculptures of mythological tales and deities of these 3 religions.They were built by kings of the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties.They are an example of the religious harmony which existed in Ancient India.

This photo is that of Kailashnath temple which is cave number 16 of the Ellora caves.This magnificent megalith carved from a single rock was probably built during the reign of the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I between 756 to 773 A.D.It shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya art which probably means that artists from these two powerful South Indian kingdoms were engaged to build this astounding work of art.

This freestanding multistoreyed temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is supposed to represent the mythical abode of Shiva - Mount Kailash.

It is notable for its vertical excavation which means work started from the top and moved downwards.Imagine the meticulous planning and execution that was involved because there was no scope of even a single mistake while carving a temple of this size and complexity from a single piece of rock.This during an age when there were no modern tools or implements!
This amazing temple was probably built within a period of 18 years and legend has it that some 200,000 tonnes of rock had to be removed to excavate it.It is 145 feet wide,195 feet long and over 100 feet high.Almost every inch contains intricate and beautiful sculptures from Hindu mythological tales and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.The most famous is that of the Demon King Ravana trying to lift Mount Kailash.

More images from this magnificent temple to follow.

Taken on: January 14, 2023

Tags:

temple

architecture

sculpture

Maharashtra

India

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Groups appears in: • India • India Images more » • Travel Photography • I Love India • INDIA - the unexplored paradise • Explore India • Discovery India • This is India • India Travel Desk • I know where you are « less

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