Kailasa Temple also referred to as Kailashanatha Temple is a an ancient hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kailashanatha and is situated about 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
The rock-cave temple of Ellora is the largest monolithic structure in the world. It is believed that the Kailash Temple at Ellora has striking similarities to the Virupaksha temple of northern Karnataka.
This astonishing temple which is carved from solid rock, was built by King Krishna I in AD 760 to represent Mt Kailasa (Kailash), Shiva’s Himalayan abode.
The Kailash Temple is the sixteenth cave, and it is one of the 32 cave temples and monasteries forming the magnanimous Ellora Caves. Further, the non- Rashtrakuta style temples located close-by denote the involvement of Pallava and Chalukya artists.
The temple is a part of the Ellora Caves and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple houses several intricately carved panels, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the adventures of Krishna.
Also worth admiring are the immense monolithic pillars that stand in the courtyard, flanking the entrance on both sides, and the southeastern gallery that has 10 giant and fabulous panels depicting the different avatars (incarnations of a deity) of Lord Vishnu.
Enormous stone carvings depict different Hindu deities with particular attention to Shiva. As one walks past the gopuram, panels on the left have followers of Shiva, while panels on the left show devotees of Vishnu.
At the base of the temple, a herd of carved elements appears to carry the load of the temple on their backs.
It’s thanks to these masterful sculptures, as well as the incredible engineering of the temple, that Kailasa is considered an outstanding example of Indian art and architecture.
Quick Facts
- Address: Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
- District: Aurangabad
- Affiliation: Hindu
- Date established: 760 AD
- Deity: Kailashanatha (Shiva)
- Dress Code: No dress code
- Temple timings: 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
- Photography: Allowed
- Entry Fees: Rs. 10(Indian) and Rs. 250 (Foriegners)
Interesting Facts About Kailasa Temple
- The Kailash temple at Ellora was made by the Rashtrakuta dynasty as a temple for Lord Shiva. Perhaps, it was meant to be a lookalike of Mount Kailash, the mystical abode of Shiva.
- The Kailash Temple is a standalone, multi-storeyed temple complex, made to look like Mount Kailash – the puranic home of Lord Shiva.
- Mughal ruler Aurangzeb had made a strong attempt to vandalise the Kailash Temple, but he was unable to get much success in his plans. All he could do was a minor damage here and there, but not to the main structure.
- The rock temple was cut in ‘U’ shape about 50 metres in the back, and about 2, 00,000 tonnes of rock was removed to give shape to it. The archaeologists had calculated that it would have taken more than a hundred years to finish the temple construction.
- However, in reality it took only 18 years to complete it. Interestingly, modern age engineers find it impossible to finish the same temple using the modern technology in 18 years!
How To Reach Kailasa Temple ?
By Air
The nearest airport is at Aurangabad which is 35 Km away from the temple. One can take a taxi or bus to reach here.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad which is 18 Km away. One can take a taxi or bus to reach here.
By Road
You can reach the temple by road and also opt for public and private buses which ply from all the major cities in India.
Where To Stay?
There are multiple places to stay nearby the temple.
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