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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.

A Panoramic View of Ajanta Caves - Lying along the gorge of Waghur river Ajanta Caves were carved during two distinct periods, the first from 200 B.C to 100 A.D and the second from around the 5th to 6th century AD.

The chaityas and viharas at Ajanta caves were used for meditation, a place to rest but predominantly as a place for everyone to learn be it the residing monks or travelers or visiting devotees.

The sculptures, paintings, murals and reliefs at Ajanta Caves are also a chronicle a rhythmic narration of every aspect of human life from birth to death depicting and reflecting all aspects of contemporary life beliefs, gods, culture - even weapons used, ornaments worn…

Devotees of Buddha during that time were supposed to walk through the cave and read the paintings which were used as a medium of communicating Buddha's teachings about 'life through successive rebirth'.

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

Cave 1 is natural gallery and one of the most popular of the monastery caves at Ajanta. Every inch of the cave was originally painted, though much has worn away over the centuries. The doorway to the antechamber is flanked by murals of two great bodhisattvas. On the right, holding a thunderbolt, is Avalokitesvara (or Vajrapani), the most important bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. On the left, holding a lotus flower, is the bodhisattva Padmapani.

The sidewalls of Cave 1's antechamber show two scenes from the Buddha's life: his temptation by Mara just before his enlightenment and the miracle of Sravasti, where the Buddha multiplied himself into thousand images.

Above the left porch of Cave 1 are friezes of the ‘Three Signs’ (a sick man, an old man, and a corpse) that the Buddha saw on his fateful journey outside the palace that led him to become a monk. In the sanctum is a colossal sculpture of the Buddha in the preaching pose. Murals on the walls of the main hall depict numerous Jataka Tales, stories of the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. How to reach Ajanta Caves?

Avalokiteśvara or Padmapani’s painting can be found to the left of the main shrine in Ajanta Cave 1. The term “bodhisattva” refers to a person who has been awakened by the Buddhist spirit and according to Mahayana doctrine, Avalokiteśvara postponed his ascension into Buddhahood until he assisted every being in achieving Nirvana. 

Avalokiteśvara has innumerable forms across Asia. Originally, a masculine form, Avalokiteśvara is also known as the feminine Guanyin in China, and Kuan Yin in Japan.

In the painting, he is delicate as well as elegant. He is adorned with pearls, amethyst, and his magnificent crown in ancient times must have shown extreme detail that has faded over time.

Padmapani’s eyes are lowered - many attribute that as being in a meditative state - his spirituality does set the tone and mood of the cave. In his right hand, he holds a lotus blossom, which is a symbol representig his spiritual awakening.

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

Cave 1 is well known for many significant murals and paintings apart from bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani. Embellished in the 5th century or the Vakataka period - it is fairly easy to detect scenes from Jataka Tales that visually narrate Mahajanaka, Mahaummagga, Champeyya ++

This scene is one of the paintings depicting the Mahajanaka Jataka tale where the king announces his abdication to become an ascetic. 

Paintings from the Second Phase are extensively narrative in form with multiple scenes stitched to form a visual storyline. 

The caves of the first phase were fully painted but only a small part of the original paintings survive as they were abandoned for centuries.

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

Frame cosntitutes Mahajanaka denouncing his kingdom and riding out of his palalce with a large retinue - part of the Mahajanaka Jataka tale.

Most caves are built in a horse shoes shape and so is Cave no 1 at Ajanta Caves Complex. It was the last one to be excavated as well as universally appreciated as the most stunning - it does have many well-preserved paintings.

Amongst the many tales of Jataka depicted in paintings and sculptural panels in Cave 1 - the narrative is believed to have accentuated royal splendor - bsically you will find many Jataka tales depicting 'kings in Cave 1' - it is believed that the Vakataka King Harisena or his ministers may have strongly influenced the content as it was funded by King Harisena.

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

Painting from Ajanta Cave 1, depicts a scene from Hamsa Jataka - Bodhisattva who lived as a golden goose - and in this frame the King and his courtiers are listening to the golden goose with rapt attention. Faintly one can see the golden goose sitting on a throne at the bottom right corner of the painting and women holding a plate of fruits.

Jataka tales are usually about stories around the many incarnations of Buddha – originally passed down through generations in an oral form – at Ajanta it was conveyed in its extensive and impressive art forms - available since centuries to anyone irrespective of ideologies or faith or devotion. 

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

Do spend a few moments reflecting on the ornamentation over the exterior of Cave 1 as it has one of the most embellished sculpted façades with many carved panels on columns and ridges. The decorative motifs on the porch are interspersed with scenes carved from Buddha's life, interspersed with Meditating monks, Apsaras, and even Lions, Elephants, Horses and Bulls.

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

Cave 2 is believed to have been carved during the Vakataka rule or between 475 and 477 CE. You would also find paintings that depict the Hamsa, Vidhurapandita, Ruru, Kshanti Jataka tales and the Purna Avadhana. 

The second period of sculpting and carving is also known as the Vakataka period (5th century) - as many caves were being built or re-embellished under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty and predominantly by King Harisena. And by the 6th century with the fall of Vakataka dynasty the caves were once again abandoned.

The second period was dominated by Mahayana Buddhism and some believe had Hindu influences too. 
Ajanta caves during both periods were predominantly used by Buddhist monks as centers of residential learning and meditation.

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

Do not miss the stark and stunning panel of goddess Hariti in Cave 2. Ajanta Caves located in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Ajanta Caves?

As per ancient Buddhist legend, Hariti was a Yakshini (Yalshas, Yakshinis are divine beings with benevolent and malicious characteristics), also a demoness largely feared as she kidnapped infants to feed her hundreds of children. The bereaved mothers pleaded to Buddha to save them. Buddha hid Hariti's youngest child and a desperate Hariti after having searched everywhere reached Buddha to seek his help.

Buddha helped her understand that her pain and anguish for her missing child was no different than the agony and sadness felt by the parents of infants she and her children had eaten. Hariti then vowed to protect all children, and would now on eat and feed only pomegranates instead of flesh. Following her remorse and repentance, the Buddha blessed Hariti in being a protector not just of unborn children or expectant mothers, but also of Buddhist stupas, viharas, people and morals.

Note - Hariti is not only believed to be protective deity and fertility goddess in Buddhism - but is considered divine in Jainism and Hinduism too. Hariti is also the consort of Panchika Kubera, King of the Yakshas and Lord of Wealth.

The exterior part of Ajanta Cave 2 and its hall are supported by robust pillars that have detailed carvings and paintings that include flowers, animals, local people or the divine.

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

The exemplary artistry and finesse found at Ajanta shines through the blackened surfaces as the sculptural or painted narratives flow unrestricted from one cave wall to the next effortlessly – as though waiting for us to discover the many teachings or tales within them. I am specifically talking about Ajanta Caves 1, 2, and 26. 

This painting depicts Birth of Buddha.

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

Cave 4 is an unfinished Vihara that houses a mammoth image of the Buddha in preaching pose flanked by bodhisattvas and apsaras flying above. It has an exquisitely sculpted door frame and the rear wall of its verandah contains the panels of Avalokitesvara. 

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

Every vihara at Ajanta has a seated Buddha in its garbha-griha mostly in his preaching mudra or dharmachakra mudra. The seated Buddha till date is an essence of peace, inner quietude and strength. 

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

This painting in Cave 6 where Buddha is seated expressing dharmachakra mudra or a teaching posture is one the most intact ones and represents the Mahayana devotional worship.

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

Cave 6 is two-storey vihara - a monastery where both levels have attached cells. The colossal Buddha shrine in Cve 6 is seated on a throne. The walls and sanctum's door frame are intricately carved with themes that include mythical creatures, apsaras, elephants...

Art on the lower level walls depict the Miracle of Sravasti and the Temptation of Mara legends. 

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

The only double-storey vihara among the Ajanta Caves, Cave 6 houses many votive sculptures including this image of Buddha in a teaching posture holding a dharmachakra mudra. The entrance to the shrine is through an intricately carved door.. 

One could say that the Ajanta caves were a milestone of heightened activity in Buddhist temple architecture and were built in two clear phases – undoubtedly both the times under Hindu rule: the first during the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE under the rule of the Satavahanas; and the second during the rule of the Vakatakas in the 5th to 6th century period. The second phase prospered predominantly under King Harisena, the mighty Vakataka king who ruled the undivided region right from the western to the eastern sea and helped create an architectural brilliance that outlived him.

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

The Cave 7 is a Vihara with eight small rooms for monks. The sanctum has Buddha in a preaching posture with art panels around him narrating the Miracle of Sravasti.

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.

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

The shrine in Cave 7 is unique, as it houses an image of the enlightened one - Buddha in a sitting posture, with a halo carved over his head. Buddha in this vihara is also flanked by Bodhisattvas and flying apsaras above.

Inner walls of the Cave 7 antechamber exhibit a sculptural depiction of the Miracle of Sravasti. 25 carved seated Buddhas in various postures and facial expressions are found on the left side of the antechamber whereas the right side has 58 seated Buddha reliefs in different postures, all placed on lotus. The antechamber leads to the sanctum and you will find carved two females standing on makaras or mythical sea creatures) on its door frame.

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

Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15 are believed to be from the first period built under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty and these caves are largely influenced by Hinayana Buddhism. Caves 9 and 10 are Chaitya-grihas (a Buddhist prayer hall with a Stupa at one end), while caves 12, 13 and 15 are Viharas (halls of prayer and living).

Hinayana Buddhism (earlier system of Buddhist doctrine) that spans from Buddha’s lifetime to roughly 200 AD, was a period where Buddha was revered in the form of a Stupa in prayer halls called Chaityas (you can see this cave No 9 and 10). The Stupas without a Buddha mark these caves as distinctly different from the caves from the second period between 5th and 6th century.

From the 1st century AD these caves were largely deserted for centuries and historians have not been able to find a reason yet.

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

The paintings in cave 10 include both Hinayana and Mahayana teachings - though the latter are discernible, the former are more faded. The paintings are numerous and from both the periods narrating the Jataka tales [ - the tale about six tusked elephants - the story of the son who dedicates his life serving his blind parents].

Cave 10 is chaitya griha with a large single-arched entrance with an austere façade. Its stupa has no image sculpted of Buddha and the enlightened one is represented only as symbols = Bodhi tree, Paduka (wooden slippers) or the Wheel. In contrast to the stupas of the second period as in Caves 19 & 26 that have an image of Buddha sculpted on stupa's its front face.

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

The Cave 11 is a vihara - a monastery built in the later period or the 5th century. The cave has a hall with a long rock bench opening into six rooms. The sanctum of this cave features a pradakshina path around the seated Buddha.

The Cave 11 also has paintings of Bodhisattvas - note paintings of Padmapani, a couple praying, peafowls, and a female figure have survived in the better condition than others. 

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

Cave 17 is large and has the most advanced vihara architecture with much larger doors and windows as compared to other caves letting in more light and extensively surrounded by carved gods and goddesses as well as murals that narrate many ancient tales.

The paintings on the ceilings take on an artistic theme similar to designs you would find in saris or carpets woven brilliantly in those times captivating the eyes and applauding the skills of those ancient artisans. One of the themes is floral motifs in concentric circles. You will also find many rectangular panels filled with ornate motifs of fruits and flowers many times lotus. 

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

The Chaitya griha in Cave 19 like the other Chaitya caves is apsidal, with two side aisles. Its round pillars with floral reliefs have a fluted shaft topped with Buddha carvings in its capitals. elephants, horses and apsaras surround the Buddha in the capitals. It also has paintings of Buddha in different postures as well as expressing teachings via different mudras. 

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

Cave 19 is a chaitya griha or simply prayer hall which was embellished in the fifth century CE.

Cave 19 is a major departure from the earlier Hinayana Buddhist tradition as it has a huge sculpture of Buddha carved into the stupa - standing in varada hasta mudra - a depiction that supports the Mahayana Buddhist establishment. 

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

Cave 19 must have looked spectacular when finished with its painted arches and painted ceilings.

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. 

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

Do explore the carving of Nagaraja with his wife holding a lotus in Cave 19. Ajanta Caves located in the Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. How to reach Ajanta Caves?

The frame depicts Naga king Champeyya and his consort Suman in the royal palace. Champeyya tale is about the life of Bodhisattva born as a Naga king Champeyya in the Champa river married to Naga princess Sumana.

Cave 21 is a vihara or a monastery and its hall has twelve rock cut chambers, a sanctum and twelve pillared and pilastered verandah.

Cave 21 has rock sculpted Buddha in a preaching posture and you can see many evidences around the hall that it was once entirely painted. 

Pillars of Cave 21 have ornate reliefs that have apart from pretty Apsaras - sculptures of Nagaraja and Nagarani - devotees bowing down with a namaste mudra.. One can learn a lot about ancient times by the clothes, jewelry, hairstyles detailed in carvings...

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

Cave 23 like Cave 21, 22, and 24 is a vihara or a monastery. The cave is unfinished but does have ornate exterior especially its Naga Mucalinda sculpture. 



Note - Buddha meditating under the protection of Mucalinda is very common in Buddhist art. Mucalinda is a naga and as per Buddhist legends - he is the mighty King of Serpents who came from patal-lok to protect Buddha from a fierce storm. Once the storm cleared the serpent king bowed before the Buddha in his human form and returned to his palace. 

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

Cave 26 is elaborate and exquisite Chaitya-griha - it has many elements that represent Buddha's life in the horseshoe shaped cave with exquisitely carved side aisles for pradikshana.

Cave 26 displays the fine sculptures of Buddha, and its fairly easy to spot the narrative sculptures of the Sravasti miracle based on the legend when Buddha revealed himself in all his various forms in the skies above the village of Sravasti.

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

Cave 26 is a prayer hall a chaitya-griha which is much larger than Cave 19 though has a similar structural layout. An inscription also mentions the vision behind this caves patronage 'a memorial on the mountain that will endure as long as the sun and the moon continue to shine'.

At the center of the apse in Cave 26 is a rock-cut stupa with an image of the Buddha on a base with 18 panels. The shrine has a three tiered torana as well as sculpted apsaras. On top of the stupa is a nine-tiered harmika - symbolic for nine saṃsara (Buddhism) heavens in Mahayana cosmology. The surrounding walls, pillars, the brackets are extensively filled with carvings of Buddhist teachings - even the entire path is filled with sculpted Buddhist teachings and legends. 

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

Cave 26 has a gigantic Buddha sculpted in rock - impossible to not be drawn to the the sculpted Mahaparinirvana of Buddha.

It’s entrance has Buddha statues too – shows that artisans during those times had not only a grasp of narrative carvings but could deliver versatility in size be it mammoth to intricate.

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

Cave 26 has a large sculpted panel (this frame is only partial one) depicting the legend called the 'Temptations by Mara'.

You will find the sensual Mara's daughters trying to distract the meditating Buddha. Mara's army is sculpted on both the left and right side of the panel threatening Buddha with violence.

On the top right corner of the actual panel is the image of a frustrated Mara as he accepts his failure as he couldn't succeed in breaking ascetic Buddha's focus or resolve. 

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

Cave 26 like Cave 1 was amongst the last excavated caves at Ajanta with elaborate sculptures surrounded by intricate carvings.

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

The walls at Ajanta Caves are filled with sculpted Jataka stories depicting the many lives of Buddha. Displaying extraordinary elegance its a classic way to introduce millions to the golden age of Indian artistic excellence.

This frame is part of a large sculpted panel of Temptation of the Buddha found in many caves including Ajanta Cave No 26; the sensous and beautiful daughters of Mara are carved right below Buddha. 

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

Ajanta Cave No. 1 has two of the most famous paintings and Ajanta is universally known by those protective bodhisattvas - Padmapani and Vajrapani. You find these paintings on either side of the Buddha shrine. This painting is of Bodhisattvas Padmapani.

How to reach Ajanta Caves by air? Which is the nearest airport to Ajanta Caves?
Aurangabad airport is the nearest airport to Ajanta Caves and is at a distance of about 104 km.

How to reach Ajanta Caves by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Ajanta Caves?
Jalgaon railway station is the nearest to Ajanta Caves and it is at a distance of about 58 km.

You could also opt to reach by train via Aurangabad railway station and it is at a distance of about 104 km from Ajanta Caves.

Both Jalgaon and Aurangabad are well connected by train to many cities in India.

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

September is the best time to visit Kaas plateau. The plateau is covered in riot of colors - a carpet of flowers almost all the way to oblivion - as there are more than 800+ species of plants and most of them bloom only in September.

Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau located in the Sahyadri range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance between Kaas and Mumbai is about 279 km
Distance between Kaas and Pune is about 136 km

Note: You may need a permit to visit Kaas Pathar, which you can get onsite on most days but on weekends and public holidays, the permit will be available only online. Use this link to get a trekking permit (https://www.kas.ind.in/)

A little downhill from the Kaas plateau is the Kaas Talav shrouded in moss green serenity - you may want to plan a picnic near the lake that is thankfully still pristine and unspoiled.

Opt to travel in August, September and October, as the climate is perfect for long walks around the plateau. Note you may encounter a drizzle or two with overcast skies.

Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau located in the Sahyadri range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance between Kaas and Mumbai is about 279 km
Distance between Kaas and Pune is about 136 km

Note: You may need a permit to visit Kaas Pathar, which you can get onsite on most days but on weekends and public holidays, the permit will be available only online. Use this link to get a trekking permit (https://www.kas.ind.in/)

Varandha Ghat is located in the crest of the Western Ghat mountain ranges and this picturesque drive from Pune (101 km ) is gratifying - especially post monsoon and you can add to the mix > scenic waterfalls, lakes and dense woods.

As per UNESCO, Western Ghats or Sahyadri Mountains in India are older than the Himalayan mountains. The entire mountain range of the Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world's ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity and it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sinhagad an ancient hill fortress and also a popular trekking destination is situated just about 35 km from Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Perched on an outlying cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadri Mountains, the Sinhagad (Lion's Fort) was tactically built to provide natural protection as it has extremely steep slopes. Fascinating to note is that the fort is also strategically located at the centre of a string of other Maratha forts such as Rajgad Fort, Purandar Fort and Torna Fort.

Seen many battles over centuries Sinhagad is especially known for the Battle of Sinhagad in March 1670 - fought by Tanaji Malusare, a brave general of Chhatrapati Shivaji of the Maratha Empire to recapture the fort.

As per UNESCO, Western Ghats or Sahyadri Mountains in India are older than the Himalayan mountains. The entire mountain range of the Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world's ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity and it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Too many trekking destinations dotted all across the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra especially during monsoon or post-monsoon period.

Its almost like Sahyadri has taken a dramatic makeover and is laden with its many greens with frequent burst of blossoms on its vast stretches of forests that nestle on its myriad slopes and valleys.

As per UNESCO, Western Ghats in India are older than the Himalayan mountains. The entire mountain range of the Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world's ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity and it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Naneghat is on most trekkers list especially the ones who live in Mumbai and Pune - their mantra is come monsoon and you cannot not trek up to Naneghat. They claim that the pass just - juts out seemingly interested in catching the magnificent view of the great bend in the Sahyadri.

Distance between Mumbai and Kalyan is about 43 km (Kalyan is a central suburb of Mumbai)
Distance between Pune and Naneghat is about 120 km
Distance between Mumbai and Naneghat is about 163 km

Note - Naneghat an ancient trade route is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range between the Konkan coast and the ancient town of Junnar in the Deccan plateau.

Within easy reach from Pune or Mumbai - Harishchandragad is an ancient hill fort near Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra India. Taramati peak is its highest point and has many mesmerizing panaromas - more so after the monsoons.

Konkankada at Harishchandragad is a huge cliff - it would be just perfect to reach it especially during dusk as it does deliver dazzling sunsets. Do contemplate to camp in the meadow near Konkankada for a night - right under the millions of stars. How to reach Harishchandragad?

Shiva Linga at the Kedareshwar Cave at Harishcndragad is completely surrounded by water - and water continues to seep in from the cave walls all year round. It is impossible to reach the cave during monsoons – which is a favorite time for trekking up as a huge stream flows across blocking the way – locals believe this is the origin of the River Mangal Ganga. How to reach Harishchandragad?

The lingam is surrounded by four pillars - as per folklore the 4 pillars in the Kedareshwar Cavere represent the 4 Yugas or ‘life on earth over eons’ - Satya Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Kali Yuga - and when the fourth pillar disintegrates the world or life on earth will end too.

Harishchandragad has many caves believed to have been carved in the medieval time with idols of God Vishnu and Ganesha.


Caves around Harishchandragad are spread out all over - you will find some around the fort, few around the temple and many around the foot of Taramati peak.

History buffs who enjoy trekking would find traversing to Harishchandragad a treasure trove as the structures standing still since centuries hold innumerable tales  - I am talking about Harishchandreshwar temple, the Kedareshwar cave, the Pushkarni, and the Ganesh caves. How to reach Harishchandragad?

Carved out of a monolithic rock the Harishchandreshwar temple is dedicated to Shiva and has an amazingly a serene aura. As per inscriptions carved on its walls it belongs to the medieval period. How to reach Harishchandragad?

Saptatirtha Pushkarni is a small lake surrounded by temple-like structures that had Vishnu idols which have now been shifted to the caves near the Harishchandreshwar temple. [Pushkarni is any deep man made well with steps going down to the water level.] 

View from Raigad fort during monsoon especially the colorful vistas from western ghats - can keep one mesmerised - Raigad fort is located in the Sahyadri Mountain range.

Distance between Mumbai and Raigad Fort is about 170 km
Distance between Mumbai and Raigad Fort is about 135 km

Note: Raigad was the erstwhile Maratha capital during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1674). Raigad fort was originally built by Chandraraoji More the king of Jawaii and was seized by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. The fort was than revamped and expanded - built on a steep hill the fort was of strategic importance to the Marathas in defying enemies.

...driving your way through rain and greens surrounded by thick forests and astounding lush green - one such still of the inspiring Sayadris…

The entire mountain range of the Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world's ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity and it's an UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO notes, Western Ghats in India are older than the Himalayan mountains. 

Korigad an old hill fort is a short drive from Lonavala hill station in Maharashtra (at a distance of about 20 km from Lonavala). Korigad is a popular trekking destination especially in Monsoons as there is something mysterious and fascinating traipsing around green mushy ruins on a fine misty day.

The walls standing tall till date have many stories to tell - right from being a part of Maratha empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji to the devastation brought on by Britishers.

Though many start at dawn to complete the Harishchandragad trek in a day the uphill climb is exhausting and it would be absolutely criminal to leave without taking in the scintillating sunset – so really figure out a way to camp overnight at Harishchandragad.

Review details on the below links for information on how to reach Harishchandragad

Details as available on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harishchandragad#How_to_reach

Details as available on a blog post
http://harishchandragadinfo.blogspot.com/p/how-to-reach.html

The best time to visit Harishchandragad would be in the cooler months of December and January. Though October may be much warmer but offers a fairytale look as the entire fort is blooming in the golden hue of the Sonki flowers.

Many like to trek and camp to Harishchandragad after monsoons that would be September onwards since the surrounding greens deliver absolutely stunning views in almost every direction.

Matheran located in the Sahaydri Range in Maharashtra, India is a mountain table top with commanding views of the surrounding valleys and is really a very small hill station.

Matheran was connected to Mumbai by India’s first railway company - the Great Indian Peninsula Railway now the Central Railway that was formed in 1849. Matheran became a popular Hill Station within easy reach of India's financial capital Mumbai after being connected by Matheran Toy train or Matheran Light Railway.

The toy train runs between suburban station of Mumbai named Neral Junction and Matheran Railway Station. There are many trains connecting Neral Junction via the Central Railway line of Mumbai. The nearest airport would be Mumbai International or Domestic Airport which is at a distance of about 100 km from Matheran. In case you decide to ttek up the distance between Matheran and Neral is 6.5 km

Three of them, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site clubbed as 'Mountain Railways of India'. Matheran Hill Railway, is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Matheran located in the Sahaydri Range in Maharashtra, India is a mountain table top with commanding views of the surrounding valleys and is really a very small hill station.

How do I reach Matheran by air? Which is the nearest airport to Matheran?
The nearest Airport to Matheran is Mumbai Airport and the distance from Mumbai Airport to Matheran is about 100 km. Matheran is also within easy reach from Pune and is just a distance of about 120 km.

How do I reach Matheran by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Matheran?
The nearest board gauge railway station to Matheran is Neral Railway Station. You will need to take a toy train (MLR) from Neral to reach Matheran.

Bhandardara falls are also known as the Randha Falls or Umbrella Falls - the River Pravara descends down from a height of 170 ft into a gorge and is best viewed only during monsoons or immediately after that.

Bhandardara is a village near Igatpuri, in the western ghats of Maharashtra, India. How to reach Bhandardara Falls?

How do I reach Bhandardara by air? Which is the nearest airport to Bhandardara?
Airport nearest to Bhandardara is Mumbai International Airport which is at a distance of about 166 km.

How do I reach Bhandardara by train? Which is the nearest railway station to Bhandardara?
There is no railway station in Bhandardara  - The nearest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri Railway Station. The distance from Igatpuri Railway Station to Bhandardara is about 35 km. (Distance varies in many online travel resources - please check online at your preferred site)

Best time to visit Bhandardara is from October to February.

Distance details of nearby cities to Bhandardara
The distance between Bhandardara and Mumbai is about 166 km;
The distance between Bhandardara and Pune is about 162 km;

How to reach Mumbai by air?
Mumbai has its own Domestic (T1) and International (T2) airports and both are well connected to most cities in India especially Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad Chennai... Mumbai International Airport is at a distance of about 13 km from Mumbai city.

How to reach Mumbai by train?
Mumbai railway stations are located in the centre of the city and both are well connected to most cities in India.