Close to Ellora village, in the central state of Maharashtra, India on the mountain’s slope are located 34 cave temples. Those are the temples of ancient Buddhists, Hindus and Jainists. The Ellora Caves are impressive architecturer achievement
The first caves that were build were the Buddhists’, between 200 and 600 after Christ. Second were the Hinduists’ – between 500 and 900 after Christ. The Jainists’ temples were build last – 800 to 1000 after Christ.
12 of the caves belong to the Buddhists, 17 to Hindus and 5 to the Jainists
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Kailasa is a Hindu cave temple. Kailasa is the pearl of the temples. It is the largest monolith structure in the world and it is cut in a single rock.
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It was build as a copy of the home of Shiva in the Himalayas.
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Kailasa temple covers more than two times the area of the Parthenon and it is two times taller. It is believed that 7 000 workers were built the temple in 150 years.
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The temple’s backdoor is 33 meters tall. The temple itself is 50 meters deep, 109 meter long and 98 meters tall. It is composed of gate, entrance, muster room, sanctuary and a tower. Almost any surface is covered with rich decoration of Sanskrit signs and figures.
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The temple has an open air yard which is surrounded by galleries. There is a bridge that connects the temple and the galleries.
Kailasa temple is an adventurous place to visit and a great sight to see.
