Kailasa Temple at Ellora
The central attraction at Ellora is Kailasa Temple (cave 16). Chiselled by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum, and tower, which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravindian art. The idea was to build Mt. Kailash from a single stone, hence the name Kailasnath Temple. The artist then tried to give the structure shape of a temple. The scale at which work was undertaken is enormous. It covers twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens and 1-½ times high.
It is believed to have taken 7,000 labourers, working in continuous shifts for 150 years to build this temple. To day scientist has established that it entailed removing more than 200,000 tons of rock.
The temple walls and pillars are highly decorated, there are several chambers each of them house massive stone sculptures, and story of Mahabaratham and Ramayanam are carved on the walls. It is impossible to describe each of them or present all the beautiful sculptures. They are wonders to be seen. A few samples are presented.
Quick Tips:
How to Visit Ellora Caves:
Take a flight from Bombay to Aurangabad. Those who have time can take a train. Check into Aurangabad Ashok Hotel, a three star hotel, and value for money. There are several budget hotels in Aurangabad. Hire a car with driver to Visit Ellora Caves. The Car Hire in India varies between US to 30 for a day, up to a maximum of 200 kms.
It is a day trip, if you want to absorb the beauty. The entrance fee for foreigners is US . There is couple of clean restaurants, which serve good Chinese and Indian dishes close to Ellora Caves.
Best Way To Get Around:
Other places of Interest in Aurangabad:
Ajantha Caves: 100 kms from Aurangabad, a day trip not to be missed.
Bibi – Ka – Maqbara: A replica of Taj Mahal it is in the city.
Aurangabad Caves: There are nine caves, there are some beautiful ornate columns.
Ghrishnesvara Temple: It is one of the JoythiLingam, highly sacred for Hindus, and lies half a kms from Ellora Caves.
Lonar crater: It is situated 170 kms from Aurangabad, ranked third largest in the world, was formed by the impact of a meteorite 50,000 years ago.
Shopping: Aurangabad is famous for silk textile. Silk scarves and silk bed covers are relatively cheap.
What you should not do: Don’t drink tap water. Don’t eat in cheap places. Don’t give your camera to strangers to take photograph. Remember food is very cheap in India. In a very good hotel, a three course Chinese meal will not cost US .