🛕 Temple That Rocks 🪨

#localescapes The Kailasa is a great monolithic rock cut temple isolated from the surrounding rock and excavated from top to bottom and scooped out all through from outside to inside. It is said that ten generations worked for it and took more than 200 years for its completion. 😮 The temple was planned and begun under the Rastrakuta King Dantidurga (735-757 A.D.) and the major work went on in the reign of Krishna I (757-773A.D.). The artistic activities of Kailasa were carried out in several phases and spread over many reigns of the Rastrakuta Rulers. This cave is locally known as Kailasa, the abode of Siva the patron deity of the temple. Kailasa is a temple complex, with all essential elements of temple , including main shrine, Nandi shrine, gateway, surrounding cloisters and subsidiary shrines. The temple is richly carved with niches, pilasters, windows and cornices. The whole temple is decorated with gigantic images of deities, amorous couples, friezes of epic scenes alongwith faunal, floral and geometrical designs. After completion of the temple there is evidence of renewed plaster and painting in about 9 th - 11 th centurles A. D. 👀 Various sculpture carved here in the temple are not there by accident, but by deliberate design. Every sculpture has a meaning and a purpose. The two elephants and free standing Pillars of Victory in courtyard reflect Rashtrakuta's supremacy and power. The figures of Sankha-Nidhi, Padma-Nidhi and the panel of Gajalaxmi in courtyard symbolize their prosperity. While the figures of river goddess Ganga,Yamuna, saraswati, symbollze the Purity, Devotion and Knowledge respectively. The enormous animals supporting the superstructure of Kailasa show the great importance given for the animal world in the Hindu mythology. The whole temple complex is surrounded by a raised pillar corridor decorated with huge panels of mythological stories. 📜 Tips and Tricks ⁉️ 🚌 Kailasa cave complex is easily accessible by public bus from Ellora. Go to "Ellora Gaon / T Point / Malojiraje Chowk" bus stop and ask for the next bus that goes there. Double check with the driver to make sure you're on the right bus. 🌄 Avoid the crowds and queues by planning your trip as early as possible. 👨‍🍳Next to the complex you'll find many eateries so you won't stay hungry. Enjoy!💚💙❤️ #SpinTheWorld #ellora #india #mumbai #backpacking #trip