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Ellora Caves
📍 Ellora Caves, MaharashtraView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:June to March

⏰ Open Hours:6 AM to 6 PM, Open all days

🏞 Things To Do:Explore caves, Visit Kailasa temple, Enjoy local art and sculptures

💰 Budget:Foreigners: INR 600, Indians: INR 40, Children (below 15 years): Free

🧳 Traveller Types:History buffs, Spiritual seekers, Photographers

📌 Known For:UNESCO World Heritage site, Largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world (Cave 16, Kailasa Temple)

📍 Distances:From Aurangabad Railway Station: 30 km, From Aurangabad Airport: 35 km, From Mumbai: 350 km

🎒 Tips:Wear comfortable shoes, Carry water bottles, Hire a guide for better understanding

♿ Accessibility:Partially accessible for wheelchairs

📸 Best Photo Spots:Kailasa temple, Cave 10 (Vishwakarma)

📜 History:Built between 5th and 10th century AD by the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties

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Ellora Caves: A Marvel of Rock-Cut Architecture and Religious Diversity in India

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable destination to explore the rich and diverse heritage of India? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Ellora Caves, one of the most remarkable examples of rock-cut architecture and religious diversity in the world.

Photo of Ellora Caves 1/3 by
(C) Google

The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 caves carved out of a basaltic hill in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the civilization of ancient India through their uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000.

The Ellora Caves are not just caves, but temples, monasteries, shrines, and sculptures that depict the beliefs and traditions of three major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. They are a testimony to the spirit of tolerance and co-existence that was characteristic of ancient India.

The Ellora Caves are also a masterpiece of artistic creation and technical innovation. They showcase the skills and imagination of their builders, who carved out intricate and elaborate structures from solid rock. The most impressive and famous among them is the Kailasa Temple, the largest and most magnificent rock-cut temple in the world.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the Ellora Caves, and help you discover their history, architecture, significance, attractions, and preservation. We will also provide you with some useful tips and information on how to plan your trip to this amazing destination.

History of the Ellora Caves

The history of the Ellora Caves is a fascinating story of how different religious communities and cultural influences shaped the development and evolution of these monuments over four centuries.

The Ellora Caves were built between the 6th and 10th century CE by various dynasties that ruled over the Deccan region of India. The earliest caves belong to the Buddhist tradition, and were constructed by the Chalukya kings between the 6th and 8th century CE. These caves reflect the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which emphasized the worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings).

The next phase of construction was undertaken by the Rashtrakuta kings between the 8th and 10th century CE. They built caves dedicated to the Hindu tradition, which focused on the worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses. The most remarkable achievement of this period was the Kailasa Temple (cave 16), which was commissioned by King Krishna I in the 8th century CE. This temple is a colossal structure that was carved out of a single rock mass, measuring 200 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 90 feet high.

The final phase of construction was carried out by the Kalachuri kings in the 10th century CE. They built caves devoted to the Jain tradition, which emphasized the principles of non-violence, asceticism, and liberation. These caves reflect the Digambara sect of Jainism, which practiced nudity as a symbol of renunciation.

The Ellora Caves were patronized by various kings, nobles, merchants, and monks as a place of worship, meditation, education, and art. They also served as a center of cultural exchange and interaction among different religious communities and regions.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Architecture of the Ellora Caves

The architecture of the Ellora Caves is a remarkable example of how different styles and techniques were used to create stunning and diverse structures from solid rock.

The Ellora Caves are divided into three groups according to their religious affiliation: Buddhist (caves 1-12), Brahmanical (caves 13-29), and Jaina (caves 30-34). Each group has its own distinctive features and attractions that reflect their respective doctrines and aesthetics.

Buddhist Group of Caves

The Buddhist group of caves consists of monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas) that were built between the 6th and 8th century CE. These caves are characterized by simple and elegant designs that emphasize spaciousness and symmetry. The main features of these caves are:

- The large halls with pillared arcades that surround a central courtyard.

- The cells or chambers for monks that are arranged along the walls or in rows.

- The shrines or sanctuaries that house images or statues of Buddha or Bodhisattvas.

- The decorative motifs such as lotus flowers, geometric patterns, and animal figures that adorn the walls, ceilings, and pillars.

- The paintings and inscriptions that depict scenes from the life of Buddha or the history of the caves.

Some of the notable caves in this group are:

Cave 1: A large monastery with a spacious hall, a shrine with a seated Buddha, and a veranda with carved panels.

Cave 2: A similar monastery with a hall, a shrine, and a veranda, but with more elaborate carvings and paintings.

Cave 5: A huge hall with 34 pillars and 12 cells, which was probably used as a dining or assembly hall.

Cave 10: A chaitya with a vaulted roof, a stupa (a hemispherical mound), and a colossal image of Buddha in preaching pose.

Cave 12: A three-storeyed monastery with halls, shrines, cells, and staircases on each level.

Brahmanical Group of Caves

The Brahmanical group of caves consists of temples (mandapas) and shrines (lingas) that were built between the 8th and 10th century CE. These caves are characterized by complex and ornate designs that emphasize grandeur and diversity. The main features of these caves are:

- The elaborate facades with carved niches, windows, and doorways that create a sense of depth and perspective.

- The intricate sculptures and reliefs that depict various gods and goddesses, mythological scenes, and legends.

- The elaborate pillars and ceilings that display various shapes and forms, such as octagonal, circular, or square.

- The rock-cut tanks or pools that are filled with water and used for ritual purposes.

- The inscriptions and epigraphs that record the names and deeds of the patrons and builders of the caves.

Photo of Ellora Caves 2/3 by
(C) Nanchi Blog

Some of the notable caves in this group are:

Cave 14: A temple dedicated to Shiva, with a hall, a shrine, and a veranda. It has sculptures of Shiva in various forms, such as Nataraja (the lord of dance), Ardhanarishvara (the half-male half-female form), and Bhairava (the fierce form).

Cave 15: A similar temple dedicated to Shiva, but with more elaborate carvings and paintings. It also has a gallery with images of Vishnu and his incarnations.

Cave 16: The Kailasa Temple, the most magnificent and famous cave in Ellora. It is a freestanding structure that was carved out of a single rock mass. It has four parts: a gateway, a courtyard, a main temple, and a subsidiary shrine. It has sculptures of various deities, scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and images of elephants, lions, and other animals. It is considered as an architectural wonder and a symbol of devotion.

Cave 21: A temple dedicated to Vishnu, with a hall, a shrine, and a veranda. It has sculptures of Vishnu in various forms, such as Varaha (the boar), Narasimha (the man-lion), and Vamana (the dwarf).

Cave 29: A temple dedicated to Shiva, with a hall, a shrine, and a porch. It has sculptures of Shiva in various forms, such as Maheshvara (the supreme lord), Gangadhara (the bearer of the Ganges river), and Andhakasura Vadha (the slayer of the demon Andhaka).

Why you must Travel Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Jaina Group of Caves

The Jaina group of caves consists of temples (basadis) and monasteries (gumpha) that were built in the 10th century CE. These caves are characterized by refined and graceful designs that emphasize serenity and purity. The main features of these caves are:

- The elegant facades with carved pillars, arches, and balconies that create a sense of harmony and balance.

- The delicate sculptures and reliefs that depict various Tirthankaras (founders or teachers of Jainism), Yakshas (guardian deities), and Yakshis (female attendants).

- The intricate pillars and ceilings that display various floral and geometric patterns.

- The paintings and inscriptions that illustrate the doctrines and principles of Jainism.

Some of the notable caves in this group are:

Cave 30: A temple dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It has a hall, a shrine, and an open court. It has sculptures of Mahavira in sitting or standing pose, surrounded by other Tirthankaras.

Cave 32: A two-storeyed monastery with halls, shrines, cells, and staircases on each level. It has sculptures of various Tirthankaras in meditative or preaching pose.

Cave 33: A similar monastery with halls, shrines, cells, and staircases on each level. It has sculptures of various Tirthankaras in meditative or preaching pose.

Cave 34: A small shrine with a single cell and a sculpture of Mahavira in sitting pose.

Significance of the Ellora Caves

The significance of the Ellora Caves lies not only in their artistic and architectural excellence, but also in their cultural and spiritual value. The Ellora Caves are a World Heritage Site that demonstrates the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the monuments based on certain criteria for selection. These criteria are:

Criterion (i): The Ellora Caves represent a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit in rock-cut architecture in India. They display the mastery and innovation of their builders, who carved out colossal and intricate structures from solid rock. They also exhibit the diversity and richness of the artistic styles and influences from various periods and regions.

Criterion (iii): The Ellora Caves bring the civilization of ancient India to life through their uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000. They reflect the political, social, and economic changes that occurred in the Deccan region during this time. They also reveal the religious beliefs and practices of different communities that co-existed in harmony.

Criterion (vi): The Ellora Caves illustrate the spirit of tolerance and co-existence that was characteristic of ancient India through their sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. They show how different religious traditions shared a common space and respected each other’s doctrines and aesthetics. They also express the universal values of peace, compassion, and liberation that are relevant for humanity today.

The Ellora Caves are not only a source of inspiration and admiration for visitors, but also a place of learning and research for scholars and historians. They provide valuable information and insights into the history, culture, religion, art, and architecture of ancient India. They also pose various questions and challenges for their interpretation, preservation, and presentation.

Photo of Ellora Caves 3/3 by
(C) MTDC

Preservation of the Ellora Caves

The preservation of the Ellora Caves is a matter of utmost importance and urgency, as these monuments face various threats and challenges that endanger their integrity and authenticity. Some of these threats and challenges are:

Environmental degradation: The Ellora Caves are exposed to natural elements such as rain, wind, sun, and dust that cause erosion, weathering, cracking, and fading of the rock surfaces. They are also affected by human activities such as pollution, deforestation, quarrying, and mining that alter the landscape and damage the ecology.

Vandalism: The Ellora Caves are vulnerable to vandalism by miscreants who scribble graffiti, break sculptures, or steal artifacts from the caves. They are also subject to theft by smugglers who sell the antiquities in the black market.

Encroachment: The Ellora Caves are surrounded by encroachments by local people who build houses, shops, or temples near or on the caves. They also use the caves as storage spaces, toilets, or garbage dumps. These encroachments not only spoil the aesthetic appeal of the caves, but also pose a risk of fire or collapse.

Tourism: The Ellora Caves attract millions of tourists every year who come to admire and explore these monuments. However, tourism also poses a threat to the caves as some tourists behave irresponsibly or disrespectfully towards the caves. They touch or climb on the sculptures, litter or spit on the premises, or make noise or flash photography that disturb the ambience.

To protect and conserve the Ellora Caves from these threats and challenges, various measures are being taken by different agencies and stakeholders. Some of these measures are:

Legislation: The Ellora Caves are protected by various laws and regulations that prohibit any alteration or damage to the monuments. They are also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which provides international recognition and support for their conservation.

Documentation: The Ellora Caves are documented by various methods such as photography, videography, mapping, surveying, etc. that record their current condition and status. They are also studied by various disciplines such as archaeology, history, art history, etc. that analyze their features and significance.

Conservation: The Ellora Caves are conserved by various techniques such as cleaning, repairing, restoring, or reinforcing the rock surfaces, sculptures, paintings, or inscriptions. They are also treated with chemicals or coatings to prevent further deterioration or damage.

Management: The Ellora Caves are managed by various authorities and committees that oversee their administration, maintenance, security, and development. They are also involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring various projects and programs for the improvement and enhancement of the caves.

Education: The Ellora Caves are used as a platform for education and awareness for various groups and audiences. They are also used as a source of inspiration and creativity for various artists and scholars. They are also used as a medium for cultural exchange and dialogue among different communities and regions.

Conclusion

The Ellora Caves are a marvel of rock-cut architecture and religious diversity in India. They are a World Heritage Site that showcases the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient India. They are also a place of learning and research that provides valuable information and insights into the history, culture, religion, art, and architecture of ancient India.

The Ellora Caves are a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of India’s heritage. They are also a place of wonder and admiration for anyone who wants to witness the skills and imagination of India’s ancient builders.

If you are planning to visit the Ellora Caves, here are some useful tips and information for you:

- The best time to visit the Ellora Caves is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry.

- The Ellora Caves are open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days except Tuesdays.

- The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 40 per person, and for foreigners is Rs. 600 per person. Children below 15 years of age are free of charge.

- The online ticket booking facility is available on the official website of ASI

- The Ellora Caves are located about 30 km from Aurangabad city, which is well-connected by air, rail, road, or bus. You can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to reach the caves from the city.

- The Ellora Caves have basic facilities such as parking, toilets, drinking water, cafeteria, etc. However, there are no accommodation or locker facilities available at the caves.

- The Ellora Caves have a strict code of conduct for visitors. You should respect the sanctity and dignity of the caves. You should not touch or climb on the sculptures, litter or spit on the premises, or make noise or flash photography that disturb the ambience.

We hope this article has given you a glimpse of the Ellora Caves, and has inspired you to visit them soon. If you have any questions or feedbacks about this article or our capabilities please let us know. Thank you for using Tripoto. 😊.

Ellora Caves Reviews

एलोरा भारतीय पाषाण शिल्प स्थापत्य कला का सार है, यहाँ 34 "गुफ़ाएँ" हैं जो असल में एक ऊर्ध्वाधर खड़ी चरणाद्रि पर्वत का एक फ़लक है। इसमें हिन्दू, बौद्ध और जैन गुफा मन्दिर बने हैं। ये पाँचवीं और दसवीं शताब्दी में बने थे। यहाँ 12 बौद्ध गुफाएँ (1-12), 17 हिन्दू गुफाएँ (13-29) और 5 जैन गुफाएँ (30-34) हैं। ये सभी आस-पास बनीं हैं और अपने निर्माण काल की धार्मिक सौहार्द को दर्शाती हैं। एलोरा के 34 मठ और मंदिर औरंगाबाद के निकट 2 कि॰मि॰ के क्षेत्र में फैले हैं, इन्हें ऊँची बेसाल्ट की खड़ी चट्टानों की दीवारों को काट कर बनाया गया हैं।अपनी समग्रता में २ समग्र६ फीट लम्बा, १५४ फीट चौड़ा यह मंदिर केवल एक खंड को काटकर बनाया गया है। इसका निर्माण ऊपर से नीचे की ओर किया गया है। इसके निर्माण के क्रम में अनुमानत: ४० हज़ार टन भार के पत्थरों को ताला से बचाया गया है। इसके निर्माण के लिए पहले खंड अलग किया गया और फिर इस पर्वत खंड को भीतर से काट - काट कर 90 फुट ऊँचा मंदिर गंगा गया।] मंदिर के बाहर चारों ओर मर्ति - अलंकरणों से भरा हआ है। दुर्गम पहाड़ियों वाला एलोरा 600 से 1000 ईसवी के काल का है, यह प्राचीन भारतीय सभ्यता का जीवन्त प्रदर्शन करता है। बौद्ध, हिन्दू और जैन धर्म को भी समर्पित पवित्र स्थान एलोरा परिसर न केवल अद्वितीय कलात्मक सृजन और एक तकनीकी उत्कृष्टता है, बल्कि यह प्राचीन भारत के धैर्यवान चरित्र की व्याख्या भी करता है।[1] यह यूनेस्को की विश्व विरासत में शामिल है।
Ellora Caves took me about an hour to reach from Aurangabad. This is a world heritage site now and has 34 caves that were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 17 Hindu (caves 13–29), 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history. The entrance to this site will directly lead you to cave 16 which is the kailash temple. This is the best preserved cave and is carved out of a single rock. The kailash temple is 2 storeys, the top most storey has a Shiva idol and a small chamber has Nandi , the bull. it is surrounded by a pillared corridor. The temple on the outside is surrounded by elephants. I clearly saw lot of sexual positions carved on the outer side of the temple but could not understand why they would be present in a temple. I came back and searched a lot of articles on the internet but none mentioned any of these carvings. (I have uploaded some of these figurines in pictures). Could it be possible that the process of mating was considered sacred and hence carved outside a temple?! The Kailash temples awed us so much that the Buddhist caves looked a little too simple and plain in comparison , much like the religion itself. There were only huge rooms inside with idols of Buddha. The jain temples are about 2 kilometres away and you have to take a bus to reach cave 34. The five Jain caves at Ellora belong to the ninth and tenth centuries. They all belong to the Digambara sect.[10] Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. They reflect a strict sense of asceticism – they are not relatively large as compared to others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. The most remarkable Jain shrines are the Chhota Kailash (cave 30), the Indra Sabha (cave 32) and the Jagannath Sabha (cave 33). Cave 31 is an unfinished four-pillared hall and a shrine.[11] Cave 34 is a small cave, which can be approached through an opening on the left side of Cave 33.[12] Amongst other devotional carvings, a place called Samavasarana can be found in Ellora caves. Samavasarana is of special interest to Jains, as it is a hall where the tirthankara preaches after attaining omniscience.
Ellora caveswere built during the period of 550 CE to 950 CE. This cave system almost consist of 100 caves out of which only 34 are open for public. Ellora Is just 30 km from Ajanta caves. Unlike Ajanta Ellora has caves belonging to various religions flourishing during that period of time, there were Hindu, Jain and also Buddhist caves and monasteries. Ellora also houses the most famous historical monuments of ancient India The Kailash temple which is built upside down is still a mystery for modern historians. How to reach : Ajanta Ellora cave is a two day visit if it is covered properly. Bus and Cab is the best way to reach the cave system from Mumbai and Pune. Mostly people visit Ajanta the first day of their journey then stays near Ajanta as lot of hotels and guest house are available. Ellora Is 30 km from Ajanta. Where to Stay : we stayed in Ajanta itself in a guest house which is part of MTdc. You can book this online from the official site of Maharashtra tourism. Top attraction: Kailash temple is the largest single stone structure built in 550 CE. it was carved from the top of the rock and all the way down. It says it took more than 100 years to construct it. Hinduism Caves : There are around 34 caves in Ellora and it would take 5 hrs minimum to see every single cave. There are 17 caves that depicts Hinduism and has scriptures and paintings related to Hindu mythology. Jain Caves : There are five caves out of 34 open which belongs to Jain community. And it shows life and teaching of Lord Mahavira. Buddhist Caves : This cave system has 12 caves and it also house the monastery for Buddhist monk. The cave system depicts the life and teaching of Buddha. Budget : Guest house : 2000 Food 500 Entry fee 40 Caution : The cave has a lot of bats.
We left Pune at 6:30 am on Friday, reached Aurangabad at 11 am, took a short halt at our hotel and left for Ellora caves at 12:30 pm. Pune-Aurangabad route is a 2-lane state highway and are well maintained. We reached Ellora at around 1.30 pm. Parking for four and two wheelers is available nearby. There are 34 caves representing three prominent religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Kailasa is the main attraction of all the caves from architectural point of view. From Ellora, we went to Bibi ka Makbara which is approx. 29 km from the caves. Bibi ka Maqbara is an imitation of Taj Mahal and is also known as Taj of Deccan. Then we went to Silver Art palace near Taj Residency to buy some local artwork. You can buy some amazing bindri art-work and silk/cotton saris made with Himroo fabric. For dinner we had delicious chicken kandoori rassa (black curry) with roti in a nearby restaurant named Lotus. Also, Tara pan center in Aurangabad is famous for its more than 50 pan varieties and a special 5000 Rs couple pan- so don’t miss out on those. While travelling through the city, you will come across multiple gates strewn across the city. Aurangabad is famously called as City of gates (52 gates in total). Other places to visit in Aurangabad are Daulatabad fort and Panchakki. Ajanta is closed on Monday and Ellora on Tuesday and is open from 6am to 6 pm on other days. The best time to visit is rainy and winter seasons.
I reached Ellora and with me, one foreigner also got out of the bus. I approach him and asked if he needs any guidance. We both headed towards the main gate and got our tickets (cost = 30rs). Mark was a solo traveler who came from Israel to explore India, he had been traveling since days and had been in some parts of South India and will be going till north. His journey was a motivation for a beginner like me. He helped me in taking some snaps and then he was on his way to explore the caves. Ellora is considered as one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are over 100 caves out of which 34 are open for the public. The main center of attraction was Cave-16, the Kailasha Temple which is made from a single monolithic rock. I was amazed by seeing the artwork and captured various on my phone. It was a treat for the one who has an interest in history as these ancient monuments had many things to say. I walk around all the caves one by one and it was beauty at its best. It was 5 pm in the clock and I had done with Ellora caves I took a local auto back to the city.
Photos of Ellora Caves
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