Kailash Temple at Ellora is one of the most famous temple among the 34 monasteries and temples here. This temple designated as Cave No. 16 is a true architecture marvel dug of a high basalt cliff. This rock-cut temple in Dravidian architecture with elaborate craftsmanship is a art gallery with sculptural ornamentation.
Designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva is built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The temple was planned and begun under the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga and major work went on in the reign of King Krishna I.
A two-storeyed gateway opens into a huge courtyard. The sculptural extravaganza on the interiors is a total contrast to the relatively plain exterior. The courtyard is edged by a columned arcade three stories high. This temple complex, with all essential elements of temple, including main shrine, Nandi shrine, gateway, surrounding cloisters and subsidiary shrines.
Most prominent feature about how this monolithic structure is built is its vertical excavation where the temple is carved out of the rock starting at the top and then moving downwards. It is believed that temple is built over a period of 200 years by scooping 400,000 tons of rock all through from outside to inside to give it a remarkable shape that we see and admire today.
The temple is richly carved with niches, pilasters, windows and cornices. The whole temple is decorated with gigantic images of deities, freezes of epic scenes along with fauna, floral, and geometrical designs. We will discover more of this temple in more detail in subsequent posts:
Designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva is built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The temple was planned and begun under the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga and major work went on in the reign of King Krishna I.
A two-storeyed gateway opens into a huge courtyard. The sculptural extravaganza on the interiors is a total contrast to the relatively plain exterior. The courtyard is edged by a columned arcade three stories high. This temple complex, with all essential elements of temple, including main shrine, Nandi shrine, gateway, surrounding cloisters and subsidiary shrines.
Most prominent feature about how this monolithic structure is built is its vertical excavation where the temple is carved out of the rock starting at the top and then moving downwards. It is believed that temple is built over a period of 200 years by scooping 400,000 tons of rock all through from outside to inside to give it a remarkable shape that we see and admire today.
The temple is richly carved with niches, pilasters, windows and cornices. The whole temple is decorated with gigantic images of deities, freezes of epic scenes along with fauna, floral, and geometrical designs. We will discover more of this temple in more detail in subsequent posts:
46 comments:
I am always astounded at the architecure and its age. Beautiful. Valerie
That inner view is fascinating. What an interesting way to build, too.
The perspective of these photos has me thinking of the magnitude of forever.
How very lovely! Cathy
Amazing place! :) It excites me to visit India one day. ♥
Visiting from MYM.
My MYM entry
Incredible monument and sculptures.
The temple looks so beautiful...waiting for the sequel now, Rajesh. Thank you :)
That is a magnificent temple with awesome architecture. Nice post Rajesh.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Amazing architecture. Have a fabulous week.
Liz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB
Incredible and Heavenly architecture and carving... Superb shots and great describe!
What a beautiful temple. It looks like a popular attraction. Great photos.
Looking at your photos make me want so much to return to India. Great photos of an awe inspiring place.
It looks like it is carved right out of the mountianside!
Such intricate details.
Visiting from Ruby Tuesday.
Have a great week ahead!
Rose
Beautiful images!
Kim,USA
Such amazing work -- I never fail to be amazed at the carvings and the sheer beauty of the whole structure is breathtaking.
I can't imagine the work that went into this temple. Wonderful photos!
And your India is so very beautiful, Rajesh! Superb captures for the day as always!I really love the second and third shots! Hope you have a great week!
Such history etched in that stone. Beautiful!
One of the most beautiful temples of India.
Delicious photos. Nice architecture. Great Temple in the rocks.
what an impressive place!
Wow everything look so magnificent in here. Sorry for the long absence to your blog, been idle and not blogging for a while.
My god, this is massive! An incredible place. The 2nd shot is especially nice.
Beautiful temple and interesting.
what a place...and to think i have not visited this place till now :(
Amazing structures. Happy RT2.
Mine's here.
impressive, as always, esp the 3rd pic
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
I hope I get to India one day. Your photos show such beauty and those temples and carvings are incredible.
It seems each post is more and more beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
MagnÃfico!
Boa semana!
Beijinhos.
`.♡`
●/
/▌
/ \
Cant imagine that kind of skill these days.. With the environmentalists around excavating so much out is just not possible ;)
PhenoMenon, ABCW Team
How amazingly intricate and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!
This place is worth visiting:) from OWT
My entry: one blessed morning: willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com
Your images are always like scenes from movies - fascinating.
Incredibly beautiful :):)
Thank you all for appreciating the beautiful craftsmanship of ancient India.
Beautiful architecture, well captured...[www.photoblog.ajeethboaz.com]
wow, amazing, beautiful!
Wow. Your third photo really brings it all into perspective.
Stunning architecture you've shown us.
And to think that a temple could take 200 years to build!
The carvings and sculpture are beautiful.
Wonderful photos. The Temple is a true work of art.
Beautiful photos.
My Blue Monday.
These are Simply Amazing..
Lovely angles !
Beautiful Photo Journey !
Post a Comment