Have you ever seen a monument and wondered how people at that time would have constructed it without modern machines? That is what you will feel when you stand in front of the amazing Kailasa Temple. It is carved from a single large piece of rock, and it appears that it was made by magic. As a traveller, many refer to it as a stone wonder of the world.
If you are a history lover, an admirer of architecture or someone who loves mysterious places, then this is the perfect place for you to visit this time. Whether you are interested in uncovering the Kailasa Temple Mystery, beautiful carvings or the calm spiritual energy, you will find the temple has an experience that you'll remember. This guide will help you make your trip streamlined, easy and forgettable by providing all the information you need about this temple.
Kailasa Temple History
When you learn about the history of Kailasa Temple, you will see it is not just a monument; Kailasa Temple is a story etched in stone. Many people visit to know about how such a huge structure was made without machines. The temple is a part of Ellora Caves, which are known for rock-cut art. Before you get deeper, it is important to know who built it, how old it is, and why the Kailasa Temple Mystery is still fascinating people.
The Kailasa Temple caves were created around the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I. Historians say that the temple was inspired by Mount Kailash, the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Most temples are constructed by stacking stones, but this temple was carved from a single piece of large rock, from top to bottom. This feature makes it really unique and one of the best historical places in Maharashtra. Many travellers also get excited knowing how old is Kailasa Temple, as it is more than 1,200 years old and survived the ravages of time, weather, and politics. Today, nobody can explain how the ancient workers made pillars, elephants, halls, and sculptures with utmost detail.
Temple of Kailasa: Architecture
When you look at the architecture, you feel like you are walking into a world where creativity and skills know no bounds. The temple is not created by the gathering of stones; rather, it is sculpted out of a monolithic rock, making it one of the most beautiful rock-cut structures in the world. What makes it even more unbelievable is that it was carved from top to bottom, as was hardly any ancient monument then.
Key Architectural Features
As you walk around, you will see lots of the smaller and larger details that demonstrate the amazing skill of the builders.
1. Monolithic Structure on a Massive Size
The whole temple is sculpted from a single basalt rock, thus making the temple one of the largest monolithic structures in the world. The technique required planning as if there were only one single chance to make a structure that can be ruined with one little mistake. It is difficult to imagine how the ancient artisans reached this level of precision without using modern tools.
2. Grand Entrance down the Courtyard
You walk in and you see a big courtyard enclosed by high walls. Two large stone elephants and pillars make a great display at the front. The carvings on the entrance depict scenes from the Hindu myth that give you an exciting look into ancient art.
3. Pillared Halls and Mandapas
Inside the Kailasa Temple, you have many hallways of pillars leading to the main shrine. Each of the pillars is carved with pictures of gods, dancers and holy animals. Walking through it is like stepping back, hundreds of years back, into the artistic past of India.
4. Shiva Shrine and The Nandi Mandap
The main shrine is that of Lord Shiva. A large Nandi statue faces the temple just like many Shiva temples. The Kailasa Temple interior shrine is wonderfully carved, and it is used for rituals and prayers.
5. Graceful Kailasa Temple Height
The Kailasa Temple is almost 100 feet tall and hence, making it a striking structure. Standing under it makes you feel small and reminds you of the ancient temples that the people have built with just simple tools.
Essential Information About Kailasa Temple
Before you travel to Kailasa Temple, some basic facts help one understand the place. This will make your trip easier and also more enjoyable.
Kailasa Temple Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indian Tourists, ₹600 for Foreign Tourists.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Hours: Early morning because of pleasant weather
Kailasa Temple Location: Ellora caves, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra
Photography: You are allowed to take photos; however, there are areas inside the temple where you cannot do that.
Facilities Available: Parking, drinking water, tour guides, and restrooms.
Best Time To Visit Kailasa Temple
Before you can go, it is even better to know the best time to visit Kailasa Temple. Picking the right season allows you to enjoy the carvings, the peaceful surroundings, the great views, and not get too hot or tired in the process.
October to February: These are the best months to visit. The weather is cool and pleasant, so you can explore the temple from morning to evening. You may take your time and see every detail without the heat of summer.
March to June: It is summer in Maharashtra during this time, and it may be very hot. If you visit early in the morning or late afternoon, you can actually enjoy it. Bring water with you and wear light clothes so that you can be comfortable.
July to September: It marks the monsoon season. The area becomes green and fresh, and light rains make it a magical atmosphere. But the floor in the temple can be slippery, so watch your steps.
How to Reach Kailasa Temple
Getting to the Kailasa Temple is easy because it is in one of the most popular heritage spots in Maharashtra. Be it the plane route, the train route, the bus route or even the car, the roads to Ellora would be quite hassle-free. This guide will help you plan your trip without being confused.
By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi, cab or auto to reach Ellora comfy. The airport to Ellora distance is 35 k,m and the duration of the travel time is around 45-50 minutes.
By Train: Trains pass by the nearest train station, which is the Aurangabad Railway Station in Aurangabad. The distance from the railway station to Ellora is 28 km, and the travel time is around 40-45 minutes.
By Road: You can come to Ellora by road, bus, or vehicle, i.e. by driving your own car. The roads are smooth and the view is nice, especially in the winter and during the monsoon. MSRTC buses also operate pplenty from Aurangabad to Ellora.
Local Transportation Options: Once you arrive at Aurangabad, you can go anywhere in Aurangabad by local taxis, auto-rickshaws, tourist cabs or shared jeeps.
Things to Do at Kailasa Temple
It is not just a walk to visit this temple. It is an experience of it all - history, art, spirituality and curiosity. Whether you are a photography specialist, a lover of architecture, history or cosine times, the temple has something special for you.
1. Explore the Detailed Carvings and Sculptures
It is possible to see the carvings on the walls, pillars, and ceilings of the temple while walking around. Each of the sculptures tells a story, from Hindu myths to gods, animals, and warriors. Small designs and big statues are all carved with great finesse.
2. Visit the Main Shrine & Nandi Mandap
In the inner part of the temple, the main shrine of Lord Shiva looks solemn and peaceful. You can see the beautiful Shiva Lingam and the huge statue of Nandi, which faces the shrine. It is like walking into the sacred space that has not changed for hundreds of years.
3. Walk Through the Upper Levels for Panoramic Views
If you are a views-person, try to get to the upper levels. From there, you may see the entire area, the layout of the courtyard, the pillars, the elephants and the height of the Kailasa Temple. This view also gives an idea of how the temple was sculpted from top to bottom.
4.Explore the Nearby Ellora Caves
The Kailasa Temple is a component of the larger Ellora Cave. There are 34 caves for Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions which each have its own style and story. A visit to them offers a complete picture of the ancient art and culture of the region. It can be considered as one of the top things to do in Maharashtra.
5. Enjoy Photography and Capture Ancient Beauty
The photography lovers can capture numerous pictures. The carvings, shadows, broad courtyards, and historical elements make every angle picture-perfect. Captures the temple from different viewpoints. Morning and evening are the best times as the light of the sun makes the stone appear colourful, and you get great pictures to reminisce about your visit.
Conclusion
The Kailasa Temple is more than a monument; it provides you with an experience that you will not forget. Standing in front of this massive temple that was carved out of one stone makes you feel as if you were sent back in time when art, faith and skill were at the top of their game, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra. Its mystery, peaceful atmosphere, as well as the beautiful carvings, make it a place every traveller should see at least once. Whether you come because of history, photos, spirituality or curiosity, you are sure to leave with memories like no other.
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