Kailash Temple: Popular Tourist Attraction In Maharashtra

Kailash Temple

About:

Kailash Temple is situated near the village of Ellora, 30 km from Aurangabad. The temple is considered as one of the most astonishing buildings in the history of architecture. This is one of the largest 34 excavations at Ellora, which took almost a century. Kailash Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol measures 109 feet wide by 164 feet long.

Kailash Temple has number of images of deities, animals, and other mythical creatures from the puranas in a manner that leaves one in rapturous delight. Entire panels were carved showing scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

It is believed that the construction of the Kailash Temple was started in the mid 8th century under the direction of King Krishna I (757-775) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This temple is world's largest monolithic structure carved from one piece of rock and the most extensive rock-cut projects ever undertaken.

Every December, MTDC organises the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailash Temple. Ellora is well connected by all means of transport. Accommodation is available at the hotels in Aurangabad.Kailash Temple , also Kailasanatha Temple is one of the 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, that were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora, Maharashtra Ellora that lies just 30 kms from Aurangabad. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna.

At Ellora, 34 cave temples were carved out of the hillside with hand tools. Only 12 of these 34 caves in the centre are the most impressive. The massive Kailash Temple (cave 16) is nearly one a half time taller than the Parthnon and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed by excavating approx. 200,000 tones of rock and is possible the world’s largest monolithic structure. Representing Shiva’s Himalayan home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted with scenes from Hindus mythology, each pulsing with drama, energy and passion.

Kailash Temple at cave 16, were a big Shiva-linga (form of Lord Shiva) is worshiped. It is the biggest building carved in a stone in the whole world. Is a part of Ellora Cave Complex. Beautiful sculptures from Ramayana and Mahabharata are carved on the walls of this cave temple.

Location info:

Address:Aurangabad

District: Aurangabad

Nearest City: Mumbai

Best time to visit: December

Climate/Weather:

Maximum temperature is 45.9? C.,
Minimum temperature is 7.9? C

History:

The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece contain the scenes of semi-mythological history, the royal court and popular life of the ancient times, as told in romances and plays. Some pictures recall the Greek and Roman compositions and proportions, few late resemble to Chinese manners to some extent. But majority belongs to a phase which is purely Indian as they are found no where else. These monuments were constructed during two different periods of time separated by a long interval of four centuries. The older ones were the product of last to centuries before Christ and belong to Himalaya period of Buddhism in later part of 2nd century AD when Buddhism was divided into two sections, after the conduct of the fourth general council under another great king, Kanishka.

Interesting things to do:

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a giant lingam in the garba griha

Interesting things to Visit:

Festival:
Every December, the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailasha Temple, which is attended by large number of people.

Ellora Caves:
Nestled in the crook of the Charanadari hill in Deccan is a series of ancient temples and monasteries hewn out of the moutainside. Situated on the ancient north- south trade route or the dakshinapatha, the tiny mountain village of Verul mutated today to Ellora -was a well- known stopover for traders, priests and pilgrims who plied the route to the western ports. Beginning sometime in the 7th century, when the Chalukyas (AD 553 - 753) ruled the Deccan, these wayfarers decided to make their presence permanent. And excavation started on a number of Buddhist chaityas and viharas. The place found favour with missionaries of other faiths as well, and over the next five centuries, Hindus and Jains also built their temples in the rocks there.

Kailasa Temple Caves :
Kailasa Temple Ellora, Maharashtra Travel GuideThe other Buddhist caves as well as the first few Hindu caves are fairly unremarkable and do not prepare you for the magnificence of Kailasa Temple or Cave 16. Believed to have been started by the Rashtrakuta king, Krishna I, Its excavation must rank as an architectural wonder.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Aurangabad railway station

Nearest Airport:Aurangabad airport

Road Transport:Aurangabad city is located closest to Ellora Caves and is well connected with them by road, find buses and taxis to Mumbai,

Nearest Visiting places:

Ajanta Caves:
The Ajanta Caves have 30 rock cut Bhuddhist caves and it is 106 km from Aurangabad. The basic designs of the caves are called Chaitya grihas and Viharas. Five caves are Buddhist cathedrals and the remaining 25 are monasteries. The Chaityas are large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars. They are decorated by sculptures and murals which depict the many incarnations of Buddha. The Vhharas are rectangular shaped halls. They have series of small cells which are attached on both sides. Opposite to the entrance is an image of Buddha.

Paithan:
Paithan is a village in Aurangabad. It is located 56 km south of Aurangabad. It is the ancient capital of Satvahanas. The hamlet is famous for its 6 yards silk brocade sarees. The name of the saree is also Paithan.The hamlet follows the 2000 year old convention of saree weaving. The sarees woven of silk with dainty zari borders are a feast to the eyes.Beautiful Silk from Paithani was merchandised to many countries in return for gold and precious stones.

Daulatabad:
Daulatabad is situated 13 km from Aurangabad. The fort stands on a pyramid shaped hill. It was previously known as Devgiri. Bhillama, the king of the Yadav dynasty built it in the 12th century. It was Mohammed Bin Tughlaq who gave the name Daulatabad which means city of fortune. The fort of the city is built on top of a high hill. It is surrounded by thick walls and has transfixed gates. Steep slip ways and a deep ditch can also be seen. Curled network of secret, teasing and underground transitions can also be seen in the fort.

Sunheri Mahal:
The Sunheri Mahal was constructed by a Bandalkand chief who came with Auranzeb into the Dakhan. The Mahal is located in Paharsingpura, which is a suburb of Aurangabad. The structure is made of stone and lime. The Mahal has a high pedestal but it is now in dilapidations. The paintings in the Mahal were once painted of gold and so the name Sunheri Mahal.

Purwar Museum:
The Purwar Museum is a small museum situated in Sarafa road. The museum is housed in a fantastic old haveli. The museum has exquisite collections of a retired doctor. The personal collections of doctor Purwar is on display since the year 1970.The collections in the museum consists of a 500 year old chain maul suit, a copy of the kuran written by Auranzeb. The museum also contains an 800 year old paithani sari as exhibit. An old timer shop is located near the museum.

Ghrishneshwar Temple:
The Ghrishneshwar Temple was built during 1765 and 1795. The construction of the temple was done by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple is built of red volcanic rock and it delivers a characteristic appearance.The most impressing feature of Ghrishneshwar Temple is the 5 tier shikara. The shikara rises in decreasing height. The height is then increased with the help of the high wall component of the sanctum. An unerect bull at each corner and monkey behind it is the crown of the Shikara.

Panchakki:
Panchakki otherwise known as the water mill was built during the early years of the 17th century. The mill used to grind grains for the pilgrims. It was so designed that it generated energy through water which was brought from a spring on a mountain.These pipes are lined up at particular distances. To allow the water to flow through the pumps masonary pillars are erected. Water through the pipes flows with a force and it rises to a huge raised masonary pillar and from there it falls to make an attractive water fall.

Siddharth Garden:
The Siddjartj Garden is situated in the heart of the city. It is placed near the station road. The garden is spread over a large area and it has a green outlook.The Siddharth Garden is one of the most popular outdoor recreational centers of Aurangabad. There is a small aquarium in the garden.Large areas of grass flanked by shurbs and trees is fantastic to watch. There is also a good spot for picnic. Variety of games can also be played in the garden.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Baba Petrol Pump:Cbs Road, Aurangabad

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Kailash: Kailash Temple,Aurangabad
Hotel Natraj: Kailash Temple,Aurangabad

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100

Nearest Hospital:
Kodlikeri Momorail Hospital Aurangabad,Maharashtra
Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital Aurangabad,Maharashtra
Shri Sidhivinayak Hospital Aurangabad,Maharashtra

Society/Community Phone Number

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