Monday, September 24, 2012

Kailash Temple, Ellora

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:

46 comments:

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

I am always astounded at the architecure and its age. Beautiful. Valerie

Vee said...

That inner view is fascinating. What an interesting way to build, too.

SandyCarlson said...

The perspective of these photos has me thinking of the magnitude of forever.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

How very lovely! Cathy

Marie said...

Amazing place! :) It excites me to visit India one day. ♥


Visiting from MYM.
My MYM entry

Ramakrishnan said...

Incredible monument and sculptures.

Panchali said...

The temple looks so beautiful...waiting for the sequel now, Rajesh. Thank you :)

R Niranjan Das said...

That is a magnificent temple with awesome architecture. Nice post Rajesh.

http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

Liz said...

Amazing architecture. Have a fabulous week.

Liz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB

Jeevan said...

Incredible and Heavenly architecture and carving... Superb shots and great describe!

eileeninmd said...

What a beautiful temple. It looks like a popular attraction. Great photos.

lorik said...

Looking at your photos make me want so much to return to India. Great photos of an awe inspiring place.

Suzy said...

It looks like it is carved right out of the mountianside!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Such intricate details.

Visiting from Ruby Tuesday.


Have a great week ahead!
Rose

Kim, USA said...

Beautiful images!


Kim,USA

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Such amazing work -- I never fail to be amazed at the carvings and the sheer beauty of the whole structure is breathtaking.

Al said...

I can't imagine the work that went into this temple. Wonderful photos!

Sylvia K said...

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!

Anonymous said...

Such history etched in that stone. Beautiful!

Indrani said...

One of the most beautiful temples of India.

Leovi said...

Delicious photos. Nice architecture. Great Temple in the rocks.

L. Neusiedler said...

what an impressive place!

Alice said...

Wow everything look so magnificent in here. Sorry for the long absence to your blog, been idle and not blogging for a while.

Lowell said...

My god, this is massive! An incredible place. The 2nd shot is especially nice.

Carver said...

Beautiful temple and interesting.

ashok said...

what a place...and to think i have not visited this place till now :(

maria said...

Amazing structures. Happy RT2.

Mine's here.

Roger Owen Green said...

impressive, as always, esp the 3rd pic
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

DeniseinVA said...

I hope I get to India one day. Your photos show such beauty and those temples and carvings are incredible.

Unknown said...

It seems each post is more and more beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Magia da Inês said...

Magnífico!
Boa semana!
Beijinhos.

`.♡`
●/
/▌
/ \

Anonymous said...

Cant imagine that kind of skill these days.. With the environmentalists around excavating so much out is just not possible ;)

PhenoMenon, ABCW Team

Unknown said...

How amazingly intricate and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!

joy said...

This place is worth visiting:) from OWT
My entry: one blessed morning: willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com

RIZALENIO said...

Your images are always like scenes from movies - fascinating.

Anonymous said...

Incredibly beautiful :):)

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the beautiful craftsmanship of ancient India.

ajeethboaz said...

Beautiful architecture, well captured...[www.photoblog.ajeethboaz.com]

Anonymous said...

wow, amazing, beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Your third photo really brings it all into perspective.

Patti said...

Stunning architecture you've shown us.

And to think that a temple could take 200 years to build!

The carvings and sculpture are beautiful.

Lighthousegal said...

Wonderful photos. The Temple is a true work of art.

Fashion Momma said...

Beautiful photos.

My Blue Monday.

Anonymous said...

These are Simply Amazing..

Paresh Kale said...

Lovely angles !

Travellingcamera said...

Beautiful Photo Journey !