Kailasa Temple, Aurangabad

Kailash temple in Ellora

Overview

The Kailasha or Kailashanatha Temple is the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world located in Cave 16 of the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Carved from a single basalt rock of Charanandri Hills, it is one of the exceptional temples of India due to its massive size, amazing architecture and breathtaking sculptures. With its intricate designs on panels, monolithic pillars and statues of animals and deities, the Kailasa Temple is a marvel of engineering perfect for lovers of history and architecture.

Built in the 8th century under the direction of Krishna I, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Associated with many legends, the temple amazes every visitor because a single rock has been impeccably carved using only traditional methods. Considered similar to the Virupaksha temple in northern Karnataka, it was built in 18 years with 2,000,000 tonnes of rock.

Architecture of Kailashanatha Temple

The temple is known for its vertical excavations - the sculptors started at the top of the original rock and dug down. Different from the architectural style prevalent in the Deccan region, the Kailasa temple is based on the Virupaksha temple in Pattadakal and the Kailasa temple in Kanchi. The entrance has a low gopuram with the Shaivaite deities on the left and the Vaishnavaites deities on the right.

The U-shaped courtyard is lined with arcades carved with huge panels and alcoves containing huge sculptures of a variety of deities. Among these, Shiva the ascetic is famous, Shiva the dancer, Shiva is warned by Parvati of the demon Ravana and the goddess of the river. The central sanctuary has a flat-roofed mandapa resting on sixteen pillars and a Dravidian shikhara. It is dedicated to Shiva and includes a temple with a Nandi bull built on two floors decorated with elaborate illustrative sculptures.

The base of the temple hall presents scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The central sanctuary is carved with niches, plasters, windows as well as images of deities, mithunas and other figures. Three of the five detached sanctuaries are dedicated to the river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. A notable sculpture is that of the Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa.

Sculptures and Carvings at Kailasa Temple

The Kailasa Temple located in Cave 16 of Ellora Caves is a masterpiece and known for its exotic sculptures and sculptures. In the two-story gopuram, you will see exquisite carvings on the walls. Leaving the portico, you will come across huge statues of elephants. There are many beautiful sculptures of Durga, Mahishasuramardini, Gajalakshmi sitting in a lotus pool, Shiva like Ardhanari and Virbhadra, Ravana shaking Kailash mountain and Mahabharata and Ramayana panels. The main temple has a sabha griha, vestibules and a Nandi mandap which leads to the Garba griha with the Shiv Linga which are all finely carved. On the roof of the sanctuary is a lotus crowned by a jewel with four mythical lions.

Also Visit: 1000 Years Old Temples in India

Facts About Kailasa Temple

1. The entire temple was carved from a single rock without adding stone blocks. Each design and measure was planned with precision as there was no chance of adding stone or an extra piece of rock.

2. The temple is the only structure in the world with vertical sculptures from top to bottom.

3. It took only 18 years to build the largest monolithic structure using only traditional methods and about 2,000,000 tonnes of rock were cut in the hills of Charanandri.

4. The architecture of the temple resembles Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated.

5. It is believed that the Mughal king Aurangzeb sent 1,000 people to destroy the temple in 1682. However, it took them three years to disfigure only a few statues. Even if the craftsmen only used hammers and scissors, the temple is impossible to demolish.

6. The temple of Kailashanatha is considered among the remarkable rock temples of India because of its massive structure which covers an area twice the size of the Parthenon in Greece.

History and Legend

The Kailashanatha temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva whose Himalayan home is Mount Kailasa. Therefore, the name Kailasa was given to the temple. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD during the reign of Krishna I, a ruler of the Rashtrakuta Empire. Due to the use of several architectural designs, it is believed that its construction covered the reigns of several kings.

However, according to the legend of the Marathi people, the temple was built in a week. There was a queen whose husband was very sick. She prayed to Shiva to heal her husband and committed to building a temple and fasting until the temple was finished. When the Lord fulfilled her wish, she began her fast. However, the architects were concerned because the construction would take a long time. One of the architects named Kokasa said he would build it in a week.

How To Reach Kailasa Temple

This extremely fascinating place is located about 30 km from Aurangabad which is the closest city to the destination. Aurangabad is well connected to the country's main cities by rail, road and air. You can also take a bus to Aurangabad from where you can hire a taxi to reach the location.

An ideal place for all history buffs, travelers and explorers, the premises of Ellora caves are paradise, especially the Kailash temple given the many historical references, stories and myths that revolve around the temple.

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