Here is Some Information of Ellora Cave Temples in Ellora Maharashtra india.
Location: Maharashtra, India
Built in : 350 AD to 700 AD
Significance:Listed as World Heritage Site
Coordinates: 20.023791° N, 75.178757° E
Phone: (0240) 331 217
Open from: sunrise to sunset
Closed on :Tuesday
Faiths: Original/Primary: Buddhism
Current/Secondary: Hinduism
Categories: Sacred Caves; Buddhist Temples; World Heritage Sites
Entrance Fee:
Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 10 per head.
Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head
(children up to 15 years free)
More Information about Ellora Cave Temple
The famous Ellora caves are located in the lap of the Chamadari hills. These
historical caves are regarded as world heritage and are situated 18 miles
northwest of Aurangabad. The name Ellora itself inspires everyone as it represents one of the largest
rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the entire world. Ellora is also world
famous for the largest single monolithic excavation in the world, the great
Kailasa (Cave 16). The visit to these caves is enjoyed maximum during monsoon,
when every stream is filled with rainwater, and the entire environ is lush
green. The monsoon is not only a season of rains in this part, the local
visitors are attracted to visit these ideal locations to have a glimpse of the
mother nature in full bloom.
The caves are hewn out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharasthra,
known as ‘Deccan Trap’, the term trap being of Scandinavian origin representing
the step like formation of the volcanic deposits. The rock formation, on
weathering has given rise to the appearance of terraces with flat summits. At
Ellora, one can also have a glimpse of the channels (near Cave 32) through which
the volcanic lava once flowed. These channels, due to overheating, have a
characteristic brownish red colour. Similar rock was used in the construction of
the Grishneshwar Temple nearby and also utilised for the flooring of the
pathways at Bibi-ka-Maqbara.
History of Ellora Cave Temple
The caves at Ellora were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves (100km northeast) were abandoned.
The Ellora Caves were built at time when Buddhism was declining in India and Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. The Brahmanical movement was especially powerful under the patronage of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kings, who oversaw most of the work at Ellora - including the magnificent Kailasa Temple built in the 700s.
The last period of building activity took place in the 10th century, when the local rulers switched allegiance from Shaivism (Hinduism devoted to Shiva) to the Digambara sect of Jainism.
The coexistence of structures from three different religions serve as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance of India. For this reason and others, the Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Buddhist Caves
Amongst the 34 cave temples, no more than 12 temples (Cave 1 to 12) belong to the Buddhist period. These temples have incorporated themes of Hindu and Jain, which suggests the deliberate waning of Buddhism. These caves trace their origin in the Mahayana phase of Buddhism and comprise many really striking images of Buddha.
Amongst the 34 cave temples, no more than 12 temples (Cave 1 to 12) belong to the Buddhist period. These temples have incorporated themes of Hindu and Jain, which suggests the deliberate waning of Buddhism. These caves trace their origin in the Mahayana phase of Buddhism and comprise many really striking images of Buddha.
Built somewhere during 550 - 750
AD, the caves are decorated with carvings, paintings, sculptures and murals
depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Cave No. 10 and 12 are regarded as the
important ones. The former presents typical example of Chaitya architecture and
got its name from Vishwakarma (the divine architect). Cave 12 is known for its
magnificent three-storey structure.
Hindu Caves
Following
Buddhist Caves, there are seventeen caves (Cave 13 to 29) that embrace Hindu
temples. Constructed somewhere during 600 - 875 AD, the Hindu caves are entirely
imprinted with carvings and sculptures of apsaras, tree nymphs, animal motifs,
trees, plants, gods and goddesses.
One can see intricately carved
pillars that are massive, but sited proportionately to accord with the size of
caves. Several pillars are plain and lack carvings; however a larger number have
carved bases, brackets and grooved shafts. Cave No.16 comprises the Kailash
Temple that is known to have the largest monolith structure of the world.
After Hindu Caves, there comes the number of Jain Caves. Built between 800 AD and 1000 AD, five caves (Cave 30 to 34) belong to the Jains. Again the caves are adorned with images of the Lords and various mythological pictures.
Architecture
Ellora Caves present a
wonderful exemplar of cave temple architecture. The world heritage site of
Ellora, has detailed fascia in the company of elaborate interiors. The main
patrons of Ellora cave temples are assumed to be the Chalukya - Rashtrakuta
rulers (7th - 10th century). In those times, many king and merchants contributed
huge sum of money for the erection of these temples. The construction of these
temples was believed to provide salvation (moksha) to the Kings.
Ellora
Cave temples took around five centuries to seek completion. Wholly carved by
Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks, the temples appear astonishing in the golden
light of the Sun. Ellora Caves boast of the outstanding imagination and detail
work of art in the shape of their ancient monasteries, temples and chapels. The
exquisite carvings have glimpse of Buddhism, Hindu and Jain expressions.
Exhibiting the ingenious excellence of the artists, the caves are adored with
wooden beams, graceful angles, steps along with divine figures of gods and
goddesses.
Wall Paintings
Ellora Cave has preserved beautiful
wall paintings of the bygone era. Around 5 caves possess such paintings, but the
best preserved lies in Kailasa Temple. According to the archeological
revelations, the paintings were made in two phases. The paintings that belong to
the first phase usually portray Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. In the later
phase, the masterpiece is that of a procession of Shaiva, the holy men. The
paintings also illustrate beautiful 'Apsaras' in a graceful flying pose.
How to Reach Ellora Cave Temple
By Road
Aurangabad is connected to all
major cities and towns by good roads. The Maharashtra State Road Transport
Corporation runs ordinary and luxury buses from here to Mumbai (392 kms)
Aurangabad, the closest railhead, is directly
connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, and Bhopal. Alternatively you could take a bus
or taxi to Jalgaon, a mainline junction from where you get faster express trains
to Mumbai and Delhi.
By Air
Chikalthana airport at Aurangabad (30 kms) is the nearest airfield and is directly linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Picture Gallery for Ellora Cave Temples
Google Map of Ellora Cave Temples