When it comes to exploring heritage and history, Maharashtra has a lot to offer. From the Early medieval period to Colonial period (550 CE to 1947), Maharashtra was a place dedicated to various marvelous monuments, structures and buildings along with the intangible culture of course!
Mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajantha and Ellora are something which you cannot miss during your stay in the historical city of Aurangabad. Many people including Indians club them as a single site but these are two different sites located at a considerable distance of 100 km from each other.
When I say the word caves, I assume that the very first thought would come across your mind will be “What’s there to see in the caves? Why would we go to explore animal or human dwellings?” Don’t worry, I am here to answer them for you and explain what makes these sites so special…
Pic: Cave 22 to 28 situated to the north of Kailash Temple. Waterfalls could be seen during monsoon
Also known by its ancient name “Elapura”, these caves were built between 5th and the 10th centuries and are one of the perfect sites where you would be able to witness the amalgamation of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty, in the Sahyadri Hills in Maharashtra, they are considered the epitomy of rock-cut architecture in India. If the ancient architecture fascinates you, this is the place for you!
There are total 100 caves out of which 34 caves are allowed for public exploration. The caves are numbered so it becomes easy for distinguishing them as per the distinctive architecture of each faith. Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist caves, Caves numbering from 13 to 29 are Hindu Caves while the remaining 30 to 34 are the Jain Caves.
Cave 10 which is also known as Vishwakarma Cave was built around 650 CE. Being most famous among the Buddhist Caves in Ellora, it is the only Chaitya gruha (prayer hall) in this complex having 30 octagonal columns and 3.30 m high seated Buddha at the end of the Chaitya hall. This cave temple is dedicated to Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods; hence the name is Vishwakarma cave. The ribbed vault gives an echo effect in the hall when a person standing at one end of the columns of the cave makes any sound.
Cave 15 or Dashavatar cave houses showing 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu which is one of the masterpieces. Shaiva and Vaishnava belief themes are depicted on the surrounding walls through sculpted figures.
The most recommended among the Hindu caves is the Cave 16 (Kailash Temple) built by the King Krishna I of Rashtrakuta Dynasty in the 8th century. The temple is built in Vesara style of architecture having its Shikhara (topmost part of the temple) and pillars carved elaborately. This courtyard also houses Nandi shrine and five other shrines showing episodes of Hindu Epics.
Pic: Cave 16 from outside, inside and the aerial view where it looks like a chariot at a glance.
Some unknown facts about this temple are:
It is said that this temple resemble like the Kailash mountain due to its pyramidal structure resembling the mountain.
It is the world’s largest monolithic structure.
One of the most unimaginable fact of Kailash Temple is that it has been carved from top to bottom, by cut-out rock technique using just chisels and hammers
It has the world’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling (which seems to be impossible for a temple constructed thousands of years ago.)
More than 7000 laborers worked 16 hours a day and it took only 18 years to carve Kailash Temple.
In 1682, Aurangzeb sent 1000 people to destroy this temple but they could break and disfigure a few statues only as these sculptures were made from hard rock.
A legend says that there is a small doorway near the temple which leads down to an undiscovered underground ancient city but currently visitors are prohibited to enter inside and hence authorities have locked the door.
Cave 32 or Indra Sabha (Assembly Hall of Indra), is the finest of the Jain temples. There are images of the Jain tirthankars (great teachers). The shrine inside houses a seated figure of Mahavira, the founder of the Jain religion.
These were some of the recommended Hindu, Buddhist and Jain caves. Besides them, there are several beautiful caves in the Ellora Caves complex which also has interesting sculptures.
Rashtrakuta dynasty that lasted from 8th to 10th century was behind such wonderful construction. Their dynasty might have come to an end, but their impact has lasted till present in the form of their intricate and unique architecture.
Next time we would have a look at another fabulous UNESCO World Heritage of Aurangabad i.e none other than Ajantha Caves.
Till then take care and stay safe!
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