Ellora Caves :- The cave temples and monastries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment are 26 kms north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Charity's, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest escavations here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).
The most imposing excavation is, without doubt that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly Ellora unlike the site of Ajanta was never rediscovered. Known as Viral in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day. Ellora has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come. For More Information Of Ellora Caves Aurangabad
The magnificent group of rock-cut shrines of Ellora, representing three different faiths, Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jaina were excavated during the period from 5th to the 13th century AD. The Buddhist Caves (1 to 12) were excavated between the 5th and the 7th centuries AD, when the Mahayana sects were flourishing in the region. Important in this group are Caves 5, 10 and 12. Cave 10 is a chaitya-hall and is popularly known as 'Visvakarma'. It has a highly ornamental facade provided with a gallery and in the chaitya-hall is a beautiful image of Buddha set on a stupa. Among the viharas, Cave 5 is the largest. The most impressive vihara is the three - storeyed cave called 'Tin - Tala'. It has a large open-court in front which provides access to the huge monastery. The uppermost storey contains sculptures of Buddha. The Brahmanical caves numbering 13 to 29 are mostly Saivite. Kailasa (Cave 16) is a remarkable example of rock-cut temples in India on account of its striking proportion, elaborate workmanship architectural content and sculptural ornamentation. The whole temple consists of a shrine with linga at the rear of the hall with Dravidian sikhara, a flat-roofed mandapa supported by sixteen pillars, a separate porch for Nandi surrounded by an open-court entered through a low gopura. There are two dhvajastambhas, or pillars with the flagstaff, in the courtyard. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift mount Kailasa, the abode of Siva, with his full might is a landmark in Indian art. The Jaina Caves (30 to 34) are massive, well-proportioned, decorated and mark the last phase of the activity at Ellora.
Listing Of Caves
Buddhist Caves: 5 th century to 7 th century AD
Caves 1 to 12 at the southern end
Hindu Caves: 8 th century to 10 th century AD
Caves 13 to 29 in the middle
Jain Caves: 9 th century to 11 th century AD
Caves 30 to 34 at the northern end
Timeing Of Caves :- From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or Sunset whichever is earlier (Closed on Tuesday)
Entry Fees :- 1) For Indians above 15 years : Rs. 10/- per head
2) For Others above 15 years : US$ 5 or corresponding to Rs.250/- per head
How To Reach Ellora Caves :-
By Air :-Nearest airport is Aurangabad 42 kms & Pune Airport 260 Kms& From Mumbai International Airport 404 Kms .
By Rail :-Aurangabad 35 Kms Jalgaon 165 Kms on Central Railway is a convenient railhead.
By Road :-Aurangabad Mumbai, Jalgaon, Manmad, State Transport and luxury buses run from Aurangabad and Jalgaon.
