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The Kailash temple is an artistic expression hewn out of the earth itself where hands, heart, minds and intense spiritual devotion worked in unanimity to execute a stupendous interpretation of'Siva's Kailasha'.

Surrounded by its carved and sculpted pavilions full of gods and goddesses, apsaras, dwarfs, demons, battle scenes narrating myths and legends - it might almost feel as though one has stepped into another world.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Kailash has been called the most stupendous single work of art ever executed in India. The chisel impressions of the ancient masons remain, intangible reminders of how these passionate, squabbling, dancing, playing figures were shaped. Faith created Kailash; but even the most die-hard atheist cannot help but be moved by its awesome energy.

The victory pillars or Dhwaja-stambha are placed symmetrically flanking the Nandi mandapa visually enhancing the verticality of the monument. Dhwajastambhas once upon a time were decorated with trishul on their capitals of these pillars which are long since gone.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Majestic victory pillars or Dhwaja-stambha are found on both the sides of the Nandi shrine at the Kailash Temple, Ellora, along with mammoth sculpted elephants delivering an august aura to the ancient Kailash temple. The dhwajastambhas are 45 feet high seem perfect even today standing tall since centuries lending dignity to the temple. 

You will find epics Mahabharata and Ramayana sculpted in horizontal tiers on either side of the main temple on the exterior wall behind the dhwajastambhas.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

The famed rock victory pillar is a sight to behold even in an ancient illustration. The victory pillar is known as the Dhwajasthamba and there are two of them on both sides of Nandi mandapa which is a rock-carved pavilion for the vahana of Shiva. Each dhvajastambhas has square shafts carved with horizontal bands both on the upper and lower parts - these shafts are crowned by cushion capitals. Dhvajastambhas have gleaming carved divinities in the middle. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This frame / lithograph is by James Fergusson and Thomas Dibdin, published in 1839. James Fergusson was a Scottish architectural historian (22 January 1808 – 9 January 1886) who was well known for his work on historical architecture and antiquities across the world and especially India.

The Kailash temple sits on a high plinth that is adorned with figures of elephants. It seems that the elephants are carrying the weight of the vimana of Kailash temple.

Elephants at Kailash temple, Ellora re-emphasize the imperial connection to the monument as built during the reign of Rashtrakuta dynasty. Interestingly, most of the Rashtrakuta monuments have monumental elephants carved as seen at the Jain caves at Ellora and at Pattadakkal. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Note: This illustration was sourced from Popular Science Monthly Volume 41 Published in 1892. Drawing by M Albert Tissandier titled The Temples of Kylas, Ellora, India.

If Ajanta exudes a still, unassailable peace, Kailash temple is a celebration of thunderous power reflecting the fearsome dance of Shiva transforming a free-standing monolith built top-down from living mountain rock.

When you actually explore the effect of Kailasha at Ellora in person it will seem not as a structure laboriously built over centuries, but as a miracle coalesced into being by the power of its own purpose.

The wall and the shikhara of the Kailash temple have been conceived in a manner that increases the verticality of the structure emphasized by the flying figures carved on the wall. The niche decorations leaping out help accentuate exuberance. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Late M. K. Dhavalikar prominent Indian historian and archaeologist’s theory states that Kokasa was the chief architect of the Kailasa temple and he accomplished the impossible feat during medieval period of carving and sculpting a rock cut temple from the top down - so he could finish the shikhara of Kailasha within a week's time.

The local medieval legend mentioned in Katha-Kalpataru by Krishna Yajnavalki (1470-1535 CE) states that the local king was suffering from an unknown disease and his Queen, Manikeshwari prayed to the Shiva in the form of Grishneshwar - and pledged that she would construct a Shiva temple if her husband was cured. Once the king was cured she went on a nirjala fast until she could see the shikhar or the top of the proposed Shivalaya. (Nirjala means without a drop of water)

Most architects declared it to be an impossible task to build a Shikhara first or for it to built in days - Kokasa a talented young architect built the shikhara within 7 days so the queen could break her fast successfully. Kailash temple was then named Manikeshwar after the queen.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

The Kailash temple is inundated with sculptures and carvings - one would be able to explore Shiva as a great warrior, as an exceptional dancer, kind and charitable who grants boons as well as a guru.

In slightly complex mythological terms the many forms of Shiva that Ellora exhibits flamboyantly include Shiva as SamharaMurti (Gajantaka and Andhakasuravadhamurti) or Shiva as Anugrahamurti (Ravananugraha) or Shiva as Nrittamurti (Nataraja) along with many other Hindu divinities.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

The central shrine at Kailash temple houses an enormous stone lingam and is based on a high pitha (platform) that is ornate with large sculptures of seemingly animated lions and elephants. The shrine is largely covered with rock sculptures and carvings - be it the 16 pillars, windows, the inner and outer chambers even the niches have images of hindu deities and divinities.

The main shrine is inundated by subsidiary shines found at different corners and are arranged in sync with panchayatana tradition. Three subsidiary shrines are dedicated to Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna - the river goddesses. You will also find sculptures of Ganga on a makara at the centre, Yamuna on a kachhapa (tortoise) and Saraswati on a lotus.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Another celestial myth around Kailash Temple at Ellora is that when devas looked down from the sky and saw the aesthetic truth of Kailasa with its dramatic n sculpted storytelling designed on a mammoth scale they were were convinced that Shiva himself must have created this legendary monument as it is impossible for humans to build such a marvel on their own. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This frame is from the Illustration of the Rock-cut Temples of India by James Fergusson - a Scottish architectural historian (22 January 1808 – 9 January 1886) who was well known for his work on historical architecture and antiquities across the world and especially India.

There is a huge panel of Gajalakshmi seated on a lotus as soon as you cross the main portico of Kailash temple. There are four elephants in the panel and the larger ones on the top are pouring water from a pot over Gajalakshmi whilst the smaller elephant are depicted filling the pots with water from the carved kshirsagar or the ocean of milk (Lakshmi was born as a result of churning of the Kshirsagar). Symbolically the four elephants represent the four cardinal directions. 

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora caves is full of intriguing mythological stories. Scenes from Mahabharata can be found carved for eternity on the northern face of the staircase that leads to the upper level of gudhamandapa, Kailash temple.

One of the panel shows Arjuna performing tapasya to obtain Pashupatastra from Shiva. And another scene shows Arjuna fighting Shiva, who is disguised as the hunter Kirata. [The Pashupatastra is the most destructive weapon of Shiva and can be discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow.]

Another panel has a carved Arjuna, in disguise kidnapping Subhadra on an elephant. Another scene shows Balaram - Subhadra’s brother fighting with Arjuna. 

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

The Gudhamandapa of the Kailash temple has scenes from Ramayana carved in eight horizontal plates. Its easy to recognize scene where Ram and Lakshman encounter demons; another scene depicts their exile to the forest; scene narrating the golden deer; Sita being kidnapped by lankapati Ravana; Hanuman lighting up Lanka; the monkey army building the setu to Lanka, the battle between Rama and Ravana; 

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Nandimandapa is connected with double-storied gopuram of Kailash temple with a rock bridge and its gate also connects it to gudhamandapa.

The upper level of Nandimandapa has a monumental sculpture of Nandi and its exterior is carved with sculptures of devas including Vishnu and Shiva. 

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

The panel is divided into halves and is seen in many places at Ellora. The lower half has Ravana with his many hands trying to lift mount Kailasha and the top half has Shiva in his AnugrahaMurti form.

The top half of this panel which is unseen has Shiva seated in ardhaparyankasana with Parvati - and is shown unperturbed by the tremors caused by Ravana trying to lift Mount Kailash. You will find many divinities observing the scene. Artists seem to be maintaining hierarchy when placing the various divinities on this panel - lowest you would find monkeys than Ganas are found - few are supporting Shiva's platform or seat, few are playing musical instruments and some are holding weapons.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

This frame is of rock sculpted Shiva as the mighty Gajantaka who destroys the demon Gajasura.

Most sculptures of Gajasurasamhara in ancient India were narrated visually depicting many armed Shiva carrying attributes like the trishula, a damaru, sword, kapala, pasha, deer, ankusha, vajra, arrow, gada, khatavanga, tanka, bow, snake, the elephant's tusk and akshamala.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Mahayogi Shiva is also known as Yogishwara - this sculpture is found in the lower level of the gudhamandapa at Kailash temple, Ellora.

Yogishwara is holding a padmasana posture seated on a double-petalled lotus pedestal, lifted by lions. He is expressing varada hasta, another hand is holding a snake, one an akshamala of rudraksha and another a lotus. Yogiswara is surrounded by devas, rishis and his ganas + sculptures depict gods with their vahanas - Indra on Airavata, Agni on a ram, Varuna on a crocodile, Vayu on a deer... 

The frame introduces us to one of the most fascinating facets of Shiva not only as a Yogiswara but as a guru and these qualities have been conferred on him by various names such as Jnana Dakshinamurti, Yoga Dakshinamurti, Vyakhyana Dakshinamurti and Vinadhara Dakshinamurti.

Shiva is called Dakshinamurti as he taught facing dakshin or the south - ironically the Dakshinamurti Shiva in Kailash temple faces west or paschim.

Kailash Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora is one of the most researched historical monuments in India - you could with a few keystrokes amass tons of published material especially in English - but its enigma is still intact.

Till date its exact period is not known though there are multiple hypothesis available - made by renown scholars, historians and archaeologists over centuries. Ellora is most definitely an art and historical conundrum as its visual language and aesthetics needs further study. 

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 14 at Ellora caves, also known as ‘Ravan ki Khai’ is a single-storeyed hindu cave that is protected by dvarapalikas or goddesses river Ganga and Yamuna that flank its doorway.

You will find sculptures of Vishnu as Varaha with Bhudevi, GajaLakshmi, Siva and Parvati playing chausar, Nataraja, Ravananugrahamurti, and Andhakasuravadhamurti.

You will find Saptamatrika’s carved on the side of the pradakshina path and sculpture of Durga Mahishasuramardini at the rear of the mandapa.

This frame is from Hindu Cave 15 where Vishnu takes the form of Varaha to kill the demon king Hiranyaksha to free Bhudevi who is held by the demon in the deepest parts of the ocean.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Sculpted scene is narrating why Brahma is persuading Shiva to marry Parvati. You need to know the Tarakasura myth before you can appreciate this scene. How to reach Ellora Caves?

At mount Kailasha - Shiva has withdrawn and is in deep meditation after the tragic death of his first wife Sati.

At Swarg-lok - King Taraka an asura has received a boon for his severe penances from Brahma that he can be killed only by a 6 day old child-warrior. Tarakasura believing himself to be almost immortal terrorizes all including the devas in the Swarg-lok.

Palace of Himavant - Sati is reborn as Parvati daughter of Himavant, the king of the Himalayas and his wife Mena. Parvati is devoted to Shiva since her childhood and once of age goes to Himalayas and prays to Shiva with only one wish that he marries her.

At mount Kailasha - The gods had reach Brahma for a solution and they all conspired to disturb Shiva's meditation. They send the scared Kamdeva (god of love) who awakens Shiva supposedly with his arrow of love and is burned to instant ash by the furious Shiva.

Gods implore Shiva to marry Parvati but Shiva decides to test Parvati's's devotion first. He sends the Saptarishi who describe Shiva's lifestyle trying to dissuade Parvati - though Parvati listens intently as they are the great seven sages - she holds on to her beliefs and continues doing her puja and penance steadfastly. Then Shiva appears before her as an old ascetic and maligns himself - annoyed Parvati is about to leave the ascetic reveals his true form - Shiva appears pleased with her devotion agrees to marry her. They give life to Kartikeya, who as a six day old warrior slays Tarakasura. There are innumerable tales of Kartikeya's birth too :)

Frame is from Cave 21 - placed here to support the myth as many descriptions of Cave 15 include a similar panel in Cave 15.

Nandi mandapa in Hindu Cave 15 is a monolithic structure devoted to the divine bull - Nandi - but is not a shrine.

As the the roof of Nandi Mandapa is flat - it is believed that the huge Nandi sculpture that is now placed in the upper pillared hall in sync with the lingam was originally placed on the top of the roof so as to allow it to better serve the lingam within the cave. 

Nandi symbolically has many meanings for Hindus - one such is - Nandi waits eternally outside Shiva temples usually looking straight towards the shrine - Nandi just perennially wants to be receptive of the light and experience the wisdom that Shiva emanates. Another meaning could be Nandi is willing to wait forever which in essence is the greatest virtue of being receptive of the divine

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Large sculptural panels are carved on the walls of hindu Cave 15 at Ellora specifically illustrating the ten avatars of Vishnu hence Cave 15 is also known as the Dashavatar Cave.

Dashavatar Cave also has scenes narrating popular Shiva mythological tales - you will find sculptures of Kalyanasundara Murti or the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, Andhakasuravadha, Śiva and Parvati playing chausar, and Ravana shaking Kailasa; 

This finest relief of Cave 15 is depicting Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar where Vishnu in a ‘Nara-Simha’ form, emerges from a pillar to tear open and kill Hiranyakashipu.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Sculpture elucidating the story when gods conspired including Brahma, Indra, Kamdeva… to get Shiva and Parvati married. Why were the gods conspiring? - As per Puranas, Taraka an asura was blessed by Brahma that he can be killed only by an infant who was '6 days old' - and gods realized that such a warrior could only be son of Shiva. Shiva and Parvati as per Puranas were destined to bring an infant warrior to the world who will help devas defeat asuras. There are many versions of this legend the one noted here is Brahma coaxing Shiva to get married to Parvati. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

The architectural layout of Cave 21 symbolizes the Brahman–Prakriti relationship an interdependence of feminine and masculine energies - and this theory may have some merit as the linga (Shiva) representing the Absolute at the apex is equidistant from the sculptures of river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna or they are at the corners of an equilateral triangle - and the centre of the shrine - the linga radiates its energies outwards at the same time draws 'shakti' from nature - a life force instinct.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Its mesmerizing to view this mammoth rock sculpted Natesha -this many armed Nataraja is holding a trishula, a kalasha, a snake, a damaru and agni. Shiva is shown wearing a jatamukuta and is adorned with jewelery.

The panel next to him is of saptamatrikas - goddesses that are always depicted together and play a protective role in mythology boosting Maha Shakti's power in her fight against demons. 

Matrikas are the personified powers of 7 Devas - Brahmani (emerged from Brahma), Vaishnavi (Vishnu), Maheshvari (Shiva), Indrani (Indra), Kaumari (Skanda), Varahi (Varaha), Chamunda (from Devi).

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This scene is found in many ancient temples - Kalyanasundara or Kalyana Sundara Murti or Panigrahana-murti (accepting the hand ritual - where the groom accepts the bride by taking her right hand in his) an iconographical depiction of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.

Shiva and Parvati are surrounded by many divinities and celestial beings. You may see god Brahma officiating as a priest and god Vishnu and Lakshmi giving away Parvati to Shiva.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This sculpted panel narrates the story of Durga as Mahishasurmardini where Durga as the dynamic Prakriti or nature destroys the evil.

In the carved scene Durga is trampling Mahishasur who is represented both with the animal head as well as the human form of the demon. It is believed that - at the request of Brahma both Vishnu and Shiva breath out angry flames from their mouth and Durga appears from the fire in a beautiful and aggressive form.

Another carved panel of Mahishasurmardini Durga at Ellora has her seated on the lion is an ardhaparyank-asana in fight with Mahishasur. She is holding a bow in one of her hands with the other hand, she is discharging the arrows. Her other arms carry weapons like Sula-trident, Khadaga-sword and Khetak-shield.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 21 southern antechamber or upavarnakas has a stunningly elegant sculpted Nataraja almost in motion and landscape panel of Sapta Matrika - goddesses of the Shakti tradition of Hinduism, edged by Shiva and Ganesha. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 21 also known as Rameshvara has a tall Nandipitha in its courtyard its exterior boasts pillars with intricately carved bracket figures that echo the svelte poise of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna edging the cave on both sides.

The main hall has upavarnakas on its lateral sides and central mandapa has two large sculpted panels - the one on the left narrates the story of Ravana shaking Kailasa and the right has Shiv Parvati Akshakrida - enjoying the game of dice.

In this rock sculpted scene the divine couple Śhiva and Pārvatī are playing Akshakrida in the presence of many celestial beings sitting, face-to-face, totally engaged in the play. Akshakrida or Akṣakrīḍā is a game of dice played since Vedic times continuing till date.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Dhumar Lena or Hindu Cave 29 dedicated to Shiva Parvati is one of the largest excavations that had a natural waterfall or symbolically Ganga integrated into the monument.

This sculpture in Cave 29 narrates the story of egoistical Ravana, king of Lanka trying to lift Mount Kailash with his many hands.

Legend says that Ravana once tried to pass over a beautiful region up high in the Himalayas on his vimana and couldn't do so. He approached Nandi at the entrance and asked him why is he unable to fly over these mountains. Nandi replied no one is allowed to fly over Kailasha as this was the abode of Shiva and Parvati. Enraged Ravana insulted Shiva and Nandi. In retaliation Nandi cursed Ravana that monkeys would destroy him. Furious Ravana put all his 20 arms under Kailash and started lifting it. Omniscient Shiva realized that it is actually Ravana's ahankar / ego that is behind this upheaval - Shiva just presses his toe on Kailasha trapping Ravana beneath it - the sculpture highlights the same as Shiva is sitting in a ardhaparyank-asana - with one of leg dangling. It seems Ravana had to pray to Shiva for over a thousand years before he was forgiven.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Shiva is well-known as the god of destruction or as SamharaMurti, this form is usually depicted as a terrifying deity. This frame is of Shiva as the ferocious AndhakasuravadhaMurti.

Asura Andhaka kidnaps Parvati - Shiva fights the asura and injures him in the ensuing battle - the injured Andhaka walks around laughing loudly with his dripping blood - as he is so blessed that every drop of blood that falls on the earth produces more forms of the asura. Shiva invokes the saptamatrikas to help stop the blood spill - thus Shiva defeats Andhaka who couldn't resurrect in his million forms.

Another Andhakasuravadhamurti at Kailash temple depicts Andhaka’s head hanging on to a trishula held by a many-armed Shiva while the other end of Shiva’s trishula pierces the elephant head of Gajasura.

Other forms of Shiva as SamharaMurti seen at Ellora especially at Kailasha include Tripurantaka, Gajantaka, Kalarimurti and Bhairava.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Natesha or Nataraja is the NrittaMurti form of Shiva found in many places Hindu Caves at Ellora. Shiva is in a multi-armed dance stance and may or may not have a Apasmara-purusha below his right foot. According to Hindu mythology, Apasmāra is an immortal dwarf (also known as Muyalaka) who represents spiritual ignorance and Naṭaraja is symbolically suppressing or trampling Apasmara for all eternity. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora has 12 Buddhist Caves that are multi-storied structures literally sculpted into the mountain face - and 11 of which are viharas or monasteries with prayer halls, living and sleeping units including kitchens. The viharas have large, small and intricate sculptures and carvings of many buddhist deities including bodhisattvas and Gautama Buddha.

Frame is from Buddhist Cave 2 at Ellora - you will find Padmapani holding a japmala and a lotus stalk. His robe is fastened round the waist by a string and he has a tiny image of Buddha carved in his head dress. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

The shrine in Buddhist Cave 2 at Ellora contains a colossal sculpture of Buddha seated on a lion throne holding the teaching posture. Buddha’s feet are shown resting on an almost circular plinth. The entrance of the main shrine is edged by Avalokitesvara and Manjusri. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This sculpted panel is from Cave 3 at Ellora which is an unfinished vihara - buddhist cave.

Why were Viharas built? Monks approached Buddha to request creating a special vihara for temporary stay during the rainy season - originally they were expected to cross flooded rivers roaming from village to village - Buddha agreed and viharas were built for monks - it was then termed as ‘varsha-vasa’- over period of time they were used foremost for year around stay for senior or old monks and centuries later they became the temporary abode or a place for residential learning for buddhist monks.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora Buddhist Cave 5 or Mahawara Cave (used by mahar tribes) is distinct amongst the other buddhist caves at Ellora caves as it has a pair of parallel refectory benches in the centre and a Buddha statue in the rear. You will find similar design at another buddhist cave in Maharashtra (near Mumbai) called Kanheri Caves.

The main shrine of Buddha in Ellora Cave 5 is attended by Avalokitesvara with Tara, Bhrikuti on another side as well as Maitreya with goddesses on another side. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

The Ellora Buddhist cave architecture seems simpler than that found at Ajanta caves but appears larger and striking in scale. Ellora Caves 6, 11, 12, and 15 are believed to be fashioned to manage large number of monks and one theory suggests that Cave 6 was designed as a teaching or as a reading room. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 10 at Ellora is also known as the Vishwakarma Cave. The chaitya-griha of the Viswakarma cave is apsidal and is divided into a central nave plus side aisles by octagonal columns that have plain bracket capitals. Right at the apsidal end of the chaitya griha is a stupa with a mammoth statue of seated Buddha expressing a vyakhyana mudra which means he is holding a teaching posture. Buddha is seated under the Bodhi tree - the griha with its vaulted roof has rock carved into gleaming beams that seem like wooden ones.

The Vīśvakarmā Cave or Cave 10 is the only Chaitya griha or a prayer hall at Ellora - as the rest of the Buddhist Caves at Ellora are Viharas.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

With a multi-storied entrance - Vishwakarma’s stupa hall has a majestic 15-foot Buddha statue seated in a preaching posture. You will also find carved statues of female buddhist deities -Tara, Manjushri, Bhrikuti, Mahamayuri and male deities - Maitreya, Avalokitesvara at various levels of Cave 10.

The Vīśvakarmā cave seems to have the same architectural design as seen in chaitya-griha's of Ajanta Caves no 19 and 26. It features a chandrashala or an arched window enabling natural light or sun rays to fall on to the stupa.

Architecturally the cave's rock beams seem as though they have been given a wooden beam like finish and hence this cave is also referred to as the 'Carpenter's Cave’. Thus frequented by carpenters who worship Buddha as Vishwakarma - the chief patron of their craft. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora is one of the Buddhist sites in India where we get to see the Ashta Bodhisattva mandala - (Buddha is encircled by bodhisattvas like Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani, Maitreyi, Manjushri, amongst others). Worship of mandalas in Buddhism, where the Buddha and Bodhisattvas are worshipped through specific designs is important.

The presence of forms Shakti in Cave 12 where you see sculptures of Tara, Bhrikuti, Janguli, Chunda amongst others - suggesting that by 7th century female goddesses had occupied a significant place in Buddhism and were worshipped alongside Bodhisattvas.

In this partial frame we find Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Bodhishakti Tara at Buddhist Cave 12 of Ellora. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Avalokitesvara is the most prominent Bodhisattva worshipped after Buddha and you can literally find more than 100 sculptures at Ellora. You would also find forms of Avalokitesvara at the Buddhist caves of Ellora - such as Rakta-Lokeshvara, Shadakshari Lokeshvara, Ashtamahabhaya Avalokiteshvara, …

Tara is one of the most vital Bodhishakti and is worshipped as a female counterpart of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and is seen in many buddhist caves at Ellora. Tara is worshipped as a goddess of mercy or karuna and her devotees include merchants, traders, monks, apart from common people.

In this partial frame we find Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Bodhishakti Tara at Buddhist Cave 12 of Ellora. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 12 at Ellora is an amazing cave to explore both for its architectural plan and the sheer number of sculptures at all the levels. The Buddha shrines, seem to be almost outnumbered by the divine Bodhisattavas and Bodhishaktis.

The ground floor of Cave 12 is shaped like an inverted letter T supported by pillars and the antechamber and a large Buddha shrine is placed right at the end on a high lion-throne, holding a dhyana-mudra. You will find sculptures of Maitreya and Manjusri carved on either side of the door of the shrine. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 12 is known for its classic Dhyani Buddha panels - they represent the qualities of the Buddha called ‘thatagatas’ and these figures are important in understanding mandalas in Vajrayana Buddhism. The Dhyani Buddhas are aspects of wisdom that help embody the principle of enlightenment in Buddhism. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

At both the ends of each aisle at Cave 12 you will find identical seated images of the meditative seated buddhas flanked by Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani on either side under the Bodhi Tree. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

When you take the staircase to reach the next level of Cave 12 you will find that the walls of the staircase are covered with carvings of Mandala plus Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani, Tara, Kunda and Bhrikuti - each of them sculpted with halos.

Vajrayana - Vajra represents thunderbolt which cannot be broken, burned or destroyed and hence depicts indestructibility of Buddhism. Vajrapani is prominently carved in the Buddhist caves at Ellora where he is seen around the Buddha either in triads or in Ashta-maha-bodhisattva mandalas, and is seen individually too.

Cave 12 is a monastery that has three levels sculpted out of a rock communicating Vajrayana buddhism characteristics. Ellora is full of sculptures of Bodhisattvas and Bodhishaktis surrounding Buddha. Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, Vajrapani and Manjushri are important Bodhisattvas depicted in these buddhist caves. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Whilst Ajanta Caves wins hands down as an exponent of it’s luminescent art - Ellora stands out for its sculptures - 'even an unfinished statue found in Ellora Jain Cave 32 - seem to rise evocatively, exuding calm and serenity - reinforcing the basic Indian values that any and every point has a potential of divine. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Ellora caves has 5 Jain Caves of Digambara sect dated in the 9th and 10th centuries AD.

Reflecting the essence of Jain philosophy and a strict sense of asceticism Jain caves at Ellora can be described as a natural art galleries of exceptional ancient Jain art - do specifically explore Cave 30 or Chhota Kailash, Cave 32 or the Indra Sabha and the Jagannath Sabha or Cave 33. 

The above painting is credited to Thomas Daniell and James Wales; Thomas Daniell - (1749 – 1840) an English landscape painter who spent seven years in India, accompanied by his nephew William, also an artist, and published series of aquatints of the country.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Not only is the Ellora Caves Complex a unique artistic blend but extravagantly illustrates the spirit of tolerance that existed in ancient India with its rock cut temples and monasteries or one can say sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. 

Tīrthaṅkar sculptures in Ellora Jain temples are mostly depicted - holding a Padmāsana expressing a dhyāna mudrā, the gesture of meditation and in a Kayotsarga a yogic posture - expressing standing meditation.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

This sculpture found in the upper level of Jain Cave 32 at Ellora - depicts Goddess Ambika seated on her lion under a mango tree that is laden with fruits; Ambika is known to be the protector goddess of the Tirthankara Neminatha. (Many refer to this sculpture also as that of Yakshini Siddhayika - or the goddess of fertility - sitting below a mango tree.)

You will find Yakshi Ambika and Yaksha Sarvanubhuti featured in many Jain Caves of Ellora be it as flanking shrines or in a fairly large size at the edges of the veranda. There are many other divine beings carved in Jain Caves of Ellora including Padmavati and goddess Chakreshvari. 

Note - As per Jain ancient texts - Yakshas and Yakshinis were appointed by Indra to look after the well-being of Tirthankaras. Jain art depicts them around Jinas in Jain temples and are found in pair of a male (yaksha - found on the right) and a female (yakshini found on the left). In the earlier period of Jainism, they were mainly depicted as devotees of Jina but as the time passed by people started to worship them too. Also not all Yaksha or Yakshinis are benevolent as some can have malicious intent. (The term Jina describes a human being who has achieved omniscience and then teaches and guides other people wanting to walk the path to liberation or mokṣha-mārga. Jina as a 'term' used interchangeably with Tīrthankara.)

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Frame is of the Shikhara of Indra Sabha or Jain Cave 32 at Ellora.

When you visit in person one cannot miss the crowned manastambha or the monolithic elephant enclosed by a prakara wall in Jain Cave 32 or as popularly known since centuries Indra Sabha. Both the manastambha and the monolithic elephant seem similar in design to the ones found in the court of Kailasa or Hindu Cave 16. 

You will find many shrines dedicated to Mahavira and other Jain divinities along with exquisitely carved pillars, large divine panels aesthetically sculpted in the upper level of Cave 32.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Historians had confused the Jain Yakshas for being a form of Indra, (Yakshas are divine beings also found in Hindu and Buddhist artworks) - as such the name of the temple 'Indra Sabha' is believed to be a misnomer.

Indra is a well-known deity to Hindu, Buddhist as well as Jain devotees. As per Jain holy text - Indra is the king of the first Jain heaven, Saudharmakalpa and and there are 64 Indras, each ruling over different heavenly realms where souls who have not yet gained Kaivalya or Moksha are reborn. 

This frame can be of Indra - king of the first Jain heaven as noted above or its a sculpture of Matanga Yaksha known as God of prosperity - sitting on an elephant under the banyan tree.

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Cave 32 or Indra Sabha is a double storied cave belonging to the Jain Digambara sect which was excavated in the 9th century. It has a 'sarvatobhadra mandapa', with four Tirthankaras of Jainism – Rshibha (1st), Neminatha (22nd), Parsvanatha (23rd) and Mahavira (24th) aligned to four cardinal directions.

Historically the Indra Sabha or Jain Cave 32 is very significant as it contains proof of active worship by the Jain community in ancient times - layered deposits and textual records including details on rituals were found held in the upper level. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

Jain Cave 34 at Ellora, compared to other caves is a small one - covered with rich rock cut sculptures. This frame is of Tirthankaras at ELlora Cave 34. 

Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?

The sculpted panel is from Hindu Cave 29 depicting Shiv Parvati Vivah or the Kalyan-Sundar Panel, part of the Ellora Caves complex which is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Shiva and Parvati are sculpted depicting the 'panigrahana ritual' in this panel with other dev and devis in attendance - it is a hindu marraige ritual of taking wows holding hands.

Historians believe it took more than 500 years - right from the 5th to 11th century to sculpt rock cut temples - and Ellora is the only cave complex where rock cut temples of three major religions in India co-exist - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Unlike Ajanta, Ellora has not been totally ignored and has had living temples and monasteries for centuries.

Ellora has more than 100 caves - but - only 12 Buddhist Caves, 17 Hindu Caves, and 5 Jain caves are open to visitors.

How to reach Ellora Caves by air? Which is the nearest airport to Ellora Caves?
Aurangabad airport is the nearest airport to Ellora Caves and is at a distance of about 36 km.

How to reach Ellora Caves by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Ellora Caves?
Aurangabad railway station is the nearest to Ellora Caves and it is at a distance of about 29 km. Aurangabad is well connected by train to many cities in India.

The best time to visit Ellora Caves is from November to February as the climate is much cooler.