Ellora Caves

It's been a while since I've added to the blog. We were on a two-week tour of India with our family. I've got enough material now to cover many posts!

Saturday, 13 September 2014

Lon took a day trip to Aurangabad -- it's a short 45 minute flight from Mumbai (but a 7-8 hour drive). I went along to visit the Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort. (Ajanta Caves and Lonar meteor crater will have to wait for another trip.)

First stop were the Ellora Caves -- a series of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain "caves" carved into a basalt cliff.

The 12 Buddhist caves were carved in the 5th through 7th Centuries. They are mostly monastery structures, with one large temple.

Temple cave with Buddha preaching in front of the stupa.

The Hindu caves (6th to 8th Century) are the most impressive. The centerpiece is the large Kailasa Temple carved from a single block of stone.

The modern entrance to the Ellora complex showcases the Kailasa Temple.

Looking down the left-hand side of the temple. The main structures are in the middle, with pavilions carved into the mountain along the sides and back.

Looking back towards the entrance.

A sculpture of Shiva in the Kailasa Temple.

The final set of caves are Jain caves, carved in the 8th through 10th Centuries.. In the typical Jain manner, they are far more subdued than the Hindu caves, yet have very intricate and detailed patterns in their artwork.

Typical Jain-style pillar.

The Jain caves also have some paintings, although most of them have faded to the point of near invisibility.