Kailasa Temple Ellora About
The Kailasa Temple at Ellora is a monolithic Hindu temple carved out of a single rock cliff face. It is considered to be one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture, and sculptural treatment.
Located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, about 15 miles northwest of the city of Aurangabad. It is one of 34 cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves, which were carved out of the basalt cliffs of the Sahyadri Hills over a period of several centuries.
Built-in the 8th century CE by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its design is inspired by Mount Kailash, the mythical home of the Hindu gods.
The temple complex is over 300 feet long, 175 feet wide, and 100 feet high. It is divided into three main sections: the courtyard, the main temple, and the rear section.
In Hindu mythology, Shiva has manifested himself in four places until he found peace. After doing penance every night for a thousand years he found it at Kailasha. Parvati took him there and constructed a temple for him there. He was pleased with that place. And henceforth it was called Kailasya.
Kailash Temple Ellora History
Ellora Caves were excavated by Shilaidhara, the Rashtrakuta ruler of Deccan, between 730 and 760 CE. He built the caves over three hundred years to commemorate his wars against the Pala Empire and their rule over northern India.
Kailash Temple was built by King Krishna I (ruled 756-77 CE) at a cost of twenty-five thousand gold coins. It is one of the most famous temples in India. The temple has been damaged several times by earthquakes and tourists have also vandalized some parts of it in recent years.
Kailasa Temple Ellora Photos
Kailasa Temple Ellora Tickets
Kailasa Temple in Ellora, you will need to buy tickets for the Ellora Caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest rock-cut temple complexes in the world. The Kailasa Temple is the largest and most magnificent of the 34 caves in Ellora and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Cave 16, and is located about 300 m from the Ellora Caves Bus Stop.
Entry fees for the Ellora Caves are as follows:
- Rs. 10 per person for Indians
- Rs. 250 per person for foreigners
- Rs. 25 per camera for video photography
The guide fee is negotiable but usually ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 depending on the duration and language of the tour.
Timings for the Ellora Caves are:
- Every day of the week except Tuesday
- Morning hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The best time to visit the Ellora Caves is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and dry.
The temple is located in Cave 16 of the Ellora Caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest rock-cut temple complexes in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and transformation, and is modeled after his mythical abode, Mount Kailash.
Kailasa Temple is carved out of a single rock cliff, measuring about 200 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 90 feet high. It is richly decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and paintings depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology and iconography.
How to Reach Kailash Temple?
Common options to reach the Kailash temple Ellora are
- By air: The nearest airport to the Kailash Temple is the Aurangabad Airport, which is well connected to major cities of India. From the airport, take a taxi or a bus to reach the Ellora Caves, which is about 15 km away. The taxi fare may range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 700, while the bus fare may be around Rs. 50.
- By train: The nearest railway station to the Kailash Temple is the Aurangabad Railway Station, which is well connected to major cities of Maharashtra and India. From the railway station, take a taxi or a bus to reach the Ellora Caves, which is about 30 km away. The taxi fare may range from Rs. 600 to Rs. 800, while the bus fare may be around Rs. 60.
- By road: Aurangabad is well connected by road to major cities of Maharashtra and India. Drive or take a bus to reach Aurangabad and then take a taxi or a bus to reach the Ellora Caves. The road distance from Mumbai to Aurangabad is about 340 km, while from Pune it is about 260 km. The bus fare may vary depending on the type of bus and service provider, but it may range from Rs. 450 to Rs. 2,500.
Looking for a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience, then you must visit the Kailash Temple at Ellora. It is a place where you can experience the best of Indian history, culture, and adventure. Book your trip to Ellora today and start planning your adventure!