Kailash Temple in Ellora Cave Maharashtra

Here is Some Information about Kailash Temple in Ellora Maharashtra India.

Location: Near the village of Ellora, 30 km from Aurangabad

Built in: 757-783 AD
Built By: King Krishna
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Entry: Free
Photography: Allow
Temple Timing: 6:00 Am to 10:00 Pm
Significance: One of the most temple
Visiting Timing: 1 Hour
Best time to Visit: December
Nearest Railway Station:Aurangabad (30 Km)
Nearest Air Port: Chikalthana

About Kailash Temple

Kailash Temple is Located at near the village of Ellora, 30 km from Aurangabad.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.It is believed that the construction of the Kailash Temple was started in the mid 8th century under the direction of King Krishna I (757-775) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This temple is world's largest monolithic structure carved from one piece of rock and the most extensive rock-cut projects ever undertaken.The massive Kailash Temple (cave 16) is nearly one a half times taller than the Parthnon and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed by excavating approx. 200,000 tones of rock and is possible the world's largest monolithic structure. Representing Shiva's Himalayan home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted with scenes from Hindus mythology, each pulsing with drama, energy and passion.

The main body of the temple occupies a parallelogram, 45 metres by 33 metres, with sections of its sites projecting at intervals. It stands on a high plinth which is carved with sculptures of elephants and lions. The larger halls of the temples are decorated with images of Brahmanical Gods. The tower of the temple is in three diminishing tiers and is crowned by a cupola. The whole tower is 28.5 metres high. The gateway of the temple is double storeyed. On either side of the shrine of Nandi are two columns each having a Trishul, the ensigns of Shiva. Each of these columns is 15.6 metres high. Historians consider these temples as one of the architectural marvels of the world.

History of Kailash Temple

The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece contain the scenes of semi-mythological history, the royal court and popular life of the ancient times, as told in romances and plays. Some pictures recall the Greek and Roman compositions and proportions, few late resemble to Chinese manners to some extent. But majority belongs to a phase which is purely Indian as they are found no where else. These monuments were constructed during two different periods of time separated by a long interval of four centuries. The older ones were the product of last to centuries before Christ and belongs to Hinayana period of Buddhism in later part of 2nd century AD when Buddhism was divided into two sections, after the conduct of the fourth general council under another great king, Kanishka.

The new feature of Mahayana Buddhism was the concept of future Buddha's. The Buddha, himself probably thought that he was the last of the long succession of earlier Buddha's who lived before him. According to the Buddhist traditions, these former Buddhas were revered even in the historical Buddha's lifetime. By the time king Ashoka, their cult was widespread and was patronized by Ashoka. Later, when the stupas were constructed and beautified, the carvings were executed in a symbolic way. An inspired sculptor began to carve images of Buddha himself and within the few generations, all the Buddhist sects took to worshipping images. The universe of Mahayana contains numerous Bodhisattava, the chief of whom is Avalokitesvara with attributes of compassion. He is also called Padmapani or the lotus bearer. The Manjushri with a naked sword in one hand, stimulates the understanding. The sterner Bodhisattava who is a foe of the sin and evil and bearing a thunderbolt in the hand is Vajrapani. The future Buddha, Maitreya will take birth to save the world.

Best Time to Visit

It is measured as the world's biggest monolithic structure and also the most wide rock-cut projects ever undertaken. This temple is the place of Ellora festival organized by MTDC in the month of December. The Ellora festival is a celebration of music and dance and is attended by a large number of people.

How to Reach Kailash Temple

By Road : To reach the Kailash temple, there are state transport buses and luxury buses available from Ellora to all the major cities of India.Aurangabad is connected to all major cities and towns by roads. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation daily runs ordinary and luxury buses from here to Mumbai (392 kms).Ellora is a place which is well connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra.

By Rail: The nearest station is the Aurangabad station which is at a distance of about 30 kilometers away from the Kailash temple.It is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and Bhopal.

By Air: The Nearest airport is the Chikalthana which is at a distance of about 160 kilometers and is directly linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.

Picture Gellery of Kailash Temple