Ellora Caves 
|
|
The Ellora Caves are famous monumental caves listed as a World Heritage Site. Between the 5th and 10th C, Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monks carved monasteries, chapels and temples. The 34 caves represent a synopsis of Indian rock cut architecture.
The 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves at Ellora were built in close proximity to each other, which is reflects the religious tolerance during this period of Indian history.
Buddhist monastery caves have shrines featuring carvings of Buddha, bodhisattvas and saints. These are the earliest structures from the 5th to 7th C. Cave 3 and 4 are unfinished and most likely the earliest undertakings while Cave 9 has a carved facade. Cave 10 is the Carpenter's Cave and considered one of the finest in India. Cave 12 of the Buddhist caves is three stories with a large Buddha on the top floor.
The Hindu caves are much more complex and were carved from the top down so scaffolding was not necessary. Many are simple monasteries but a few The Kailasa Temple is one of the most courageous feats of architecture. This enormous rock-cut temple represents Mount Kailasa and involved removing 200,000 tons of rock.
The Dasha Avatara cave is notable for the depiction of 10 incarnations of Vishnu.
The Jain caves are not nearly as ambitious in size or as artistic but they are very detailed. They are richly decorated and have some well-preserved sculptures.
The 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves at Ellora were built in close proximity to each other, which is reflects the religious tolerance during this period of Indian history.
Buddhist monastery caves have shrines featuring carvings of Buddha, bodhisattvas and saints. These are the earliest structures from the 5th to 7th C. Cave 3 and 4 are unfinished and most likely the earliest undertakings while Cave 9 has a carved facade. Cave 10 is the Carpenter's Cave and considered one of the finest in India. Cave 12 of the Buddhist caves is three stories with a large Buddha on the top floor.
The Hindu caves are much more complex and were carved from the top down so scaffolding was not necessary. Many are simple monasteries but a few The Kailasa Temple is one of the most courageous feats of architecture. This enormous rock-cut temple represents Mount Kailasa and involved removing 200,000 tons of rock.
The Dasha Avatara cave is notable for the depiction of 10 incarnations of Vishnu.
The Jain caves are not nearly as ambitious in size or as artistic but they are very detailed. They are richly decorated and have some well-preserved sculptures.
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset; Closed: Tue
Read More
