Ellora Caves is one of the largest rock-cut Hindu Temple Cave Complexes in the world. It features Hinduism, Buddhism and Jain monuments. The Artworks there are dated from 600-1000 CE period. The 34 Monasteries and Temples extends over more than 2 kilometers, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. Ellora, also called Verul or Elura, is the short form of the ancient name Elloorpuram.
The Kailash temple in the Cave 16 is the largest single Monolithic Rock excavation in the world. It is a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ellora Caves along with nearby Ajanta Caves are a major tourist attractions in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It is a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Details of Caves
Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist Monuments, 13 to 29 are Hindu Monuments and 30 to 34 are Jain Monuments. The Buddhist Caves are located on the southern side that were built between 600 to 730 CE. Eleven of the Buddhist Caves consist of Viharas or Monasteries with Prayer Halls, Living Quarters, Sleeping Quarters, Kitchens and other rooms. Hindu Caves were constructed during the periods of Kalachuris (mid 6th to 8th Century) in two phases. Jain Monuments are on the North end of Ellora which belong to the Digambara sect, excavated in the ninth and early tenth centuries.
Of the 34 Monasteries and Temples, the following are important ones.
- Dhumar Lena (Cave 29)
- Rameshwar Temple (Cave 21)
- Kailash Temple (Cave 16)
- Dashavatara (Cave 15)
- Indra Sabha (Cave 32)
- Jagannatha Sabha (Cave 33)
Read More about Ellora Caves here.
