Location : Aurangabad (30 km), Maharashtra
Information About Ellora Caves
The
Ellora Caves are a group of 34 caves that symbolises the brilliance of
Buddhist architecture in India. The caves are representatives of three
faiths- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. 12 of the caves are Buddhists, 17 in
the centre represent Hindu faith while remaining 5 caves to the north are
representatives of Jainism. Entry fee for Indians who are above 15 years is
Rs 10.00 and for foreigners it is Rs. 250 per head. Free entries are
provided on Fridays. The caves are open from sunrise to sunset. October to
March is the best time to visit the caves.
History of Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves were carved between 350 AD and 700 AD. The caves have a
universal significance as they represent an amalgam of the pantheon of India
gods and goddesses. Ellora is a centre of Tantarism and magical and occult
practices can be observed here. There are 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu
temples and 5 Jain temples. The Buddhist caves date back between 200 BC to
600 AD. The Hindu temples date back from about 500 AD to 900 while the
temples representing Jainism date from about 800 AD to 1000 AD. Among the
three groups of structures, the Hindu caves are the most beautifully
designed.
Architecture of Ellora Caves
Spreading over an area of 1 mile ( 2 km), the Ellora caves are a collection
of thirty-four magnificent rock-carved temples. The temples are carved out
of basaltic cliffs. The Hindu caves are the most elaborately designed. Cave
16 is called Kailasa for its location in the Kailas range of the Himalayas.
In this cave resides the Hindu God Shiva. This cave was built in during the
rulership of Krishna I ( about 756- 773). The Kailasa cave is known all over
for its brilliant architecture and its elaborate workmanship. Cave 12 is a
Buddhist cave and is also known as Tintala. The most fascinating fact about
the cave is that this 3-storey structure has been carved out of a solid
rock.
Other Attractions Nearby Ellora Caves
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Cave 16 -Named after the Kailas mountains in the Himalyan ranges, cave
16 is a three storied structure. The is the most remarkable of all the
temples and is known as Kailasa. The temple enshrines the Hindu god Shiva.
The structure measures 164 feet by 108 feet by 100 feet. The structure has
elaborately carved sculptures, stairs, doorways and windows. The temple even
houses a monument to Nandi, God Shiva's bull. There are life-size sculptures
of elephants and other animals on the second storey. The halls depict the
ten-headed Ravana shaking the Kailasa mountain to show his valour.
» Cave 10 - Cave no. 10 is the Vishvakarma cave and
bears intricately carved figures of Hindu and Buddhist gods. The paintings
depict scenes of dancing dwarfs.
» Cave 32 -Cave 32 is a Jain temple which bears
fabulous carvings of flowers and ornaments. The cave is the most notable
among all the Jaina caves and attracts a huge number of tourists and
devotees
» Cave 14 - Cave 14 depicts demon King Ravana who
had kidnapped Sri Rama's consort Sita. Though the cave is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The sidewalls of the cave show various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Goddess Durga, Ganga and Yamuna are also shown here.
The Annual Ellora Festival
The Annual Ellora Festival is also a key attraction of the place. The
festivals is organised every year in the third week of March. One can gain
an insight into the classical music and various dance forms that are
performed here. The festivals truly adds to everyone's charm and sees a
large number of tourists and travellers.
