Temples In India

Maharashtra Ellora Caves

Ellora caves are dedicated to various religions and located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Out of 34 caves 12 are related with Janis, 17 caves are of Hindu religion and 5 caves are connected with Buddhists. This construction displays the communal harmony of that period. Archeological survey of India protected this monument and maintaining as well. The word Ellora is the transformation of original word Elapura. Cave for every religion has been built according to the belief and constructional pattern related with. Like a wide and deep peace is viewable in Buddhist caves. Peace with Harmony in Jain caves. Accordingly Peace, integrity and unity are viewable in Hindu caves. The constructional dates of all these caves are considered similar to the Elephanta caves i.e. 5th to 7th century. According to some historians, till 8th century, these caves were constructed. Buddhist caves are considered to be constructed during 630-700. These caves have been constructed in such a manner so that the stone work look like a wooden work.

Architecture

Fine architecture is seen in the caves of every religion. Carving work on stone in that period was not less than any wonder. To peal a rock is much difficult task rather than making a palace with bricks.

Buddha Caves

In these caves, No 10 cave related to Buddhist is most famous cave. This cave is shaped as a tunnel and the statue of Lord Buddha is at the entrance in seating posture. Roof of the cave is in circular shape and corrugated well with the five carving work on walls. Though Cave No 11 and 12 are three storied. On either side of Lord Buddha’s statue two angels in form of goddesses have been shown. The grace of Lord Buddha is shown with the help of a semi circular stone back.

Hindu Caves

These caves have been considered to be constructed in 6th century. Cave No 17-29 have been told constructed during the reign of Kalchuri kings. Initially work started in three caves later on the same pace spread over other caves. Cave No 14, 15, and 16 were either renovated or reconstructed or newly constructed during the reign of Rashtrakuta kings. Numbering of all the caves was done later.  Cave No 16 has the Natraja where painted portion of the Shiva is displayed. A Shiv Parvati temple is also near the cave and having a sound exterior stone decoration. This temple is also known as Kailashnath Temple.

The Dashavatara is cave No 15 which was initially a Buddhist monastery and later converted into a Hindu cave. This is a double storied cave. It is also an excellent example of rock cut architecture with brilliance and beauty. Exterior of the cave is still amazing that how the construction would have been possible. In this cave, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu have been sculptured well.

Jain Caves

In the caves for Janis, cave No. 34 is one of the finest caves also known as The Yakshini Ambika. This is multistoried cave with proper climbing arrangements inside the cave. From all sides, this cave is provisioned with a verandah decorated with various sculptures.  All the Jain caves are considered to be constructed during 9th and 10th centuries. Indra Sabha is one of the finest Jain caves. Indra Sabha is cave No 32 and this is double storied. On the ceiling of this cave, a large and beautifully carved lotus flower is existing.  In this cave the Yakshini is also displayed seating on the lion, her mount, beneath a tree which is full of fruits on it.

As a general architecture, there are General Meeting halls, outer rooms and gathering halls are also constructed.

How to Reach

These caves can be visited though all the means of transportation.

By Air

Aurangabad is the nearest airport located at 90 kilometers from Ellora and well connected with road transport to reach these caves. Mumbai is another nearest airport.

By Rail

Jalgaon is the nearest rail head at 60 kilometers from these caves. Road connectivity is better.

By Road

Busses from other cities like Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, and Ahmadnagar are easily available alongwith private taxies too to reach these caves. Charges in Maharashtra state of very affordable.

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