The Kailash temple in Ellora is a sight to behold
The name of this temple is unlikely to pop up in your minds when you think of ancient Indian wonders. In fact, not many of you may have even heard of it, but Kailash temple in Ellora is a sight to behold. Constructed by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga (725-55), the temple stands as an eloquent example of the wonders that can be created when art meets religion.
Designed to resemble Mt Kailash, the Himalayan abode of Shiva, the temple was carved out from a hillside with the work starting from the top and then going downwards almost like a statue. The work on the temple continued for years. According to one estimate about 40,00,000 tons of rock were scooped out in over 100 years to complete this grand project.
The temple itself is in four parts: its main gateway, a nandi (bull) shrine in between, the main body and smaller shrines around the courtyard. The entire precinct is adorned with sculptures of divine figures, animals and scenes large and small that are amazing in their grace. The main temple sits on a raised platform and has been carved out to suggest that elephants are holding the structure aloft. The temple is considered by many as the most stupendous work of art in India.
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