Ellora Caves Temple ( Maharashtra )

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Ellora Caves Temple is the one of the most famous temple in India. It is considerd as the one the top 10 famous temple in our country. Ellora Caves are situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. Located about 200 km northeast of Bombay in the Deccan plateau which separates north from south India. They lie at a distance of approximately 25 km from the Aurangabad district. The beautiful caves of Ellora symbolize three of the major religions of the world, namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

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They also hold the distinction of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ellora Caves, cut out of the vertical face of a cliff, comprise of splendid chaityas (halls of worship), viharas (monasteries) and Hindu and Jain temples. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples inside these caves. Out of total 34 caves, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are dedicated to Jainism. All of them date back to somewhere between 5th century AD and 11th century AD and have been built in a linear pattern. All the caves have different religious inclinations. Twelve of the caves (cave number 1 to 12) belong to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism and were built between 550 AD and 750 AD. Seventeen caves (cave number 13 to 29) comprise of Hindu temples and were constructed between 600 AD and 875 AD.

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From south to north there are about 34 caves here, which corresponds more or less (Cave 21 with some significant exceptions) to the order in which they were constructed. The caves 1 to 12 in southernmost direction, are dedicated to Buddhism and were built in & around 7th & 8th centuries AD. The middle caves 13 to 29 are dedicated to Hindu deities, which dates back from 7th century to 9th century AD. The upper caves are related to Jainism (9th century). Some of the caves have exquisite carvings and sculptures and have been based on the classical Indian art. Then, you have the Kailash Temple in cave number 16, deemed to be the largest monolith structure in the entire world. Five caves (cave number 30 to 34) belong to the Jains and were built between 800 AD and 1000 AD.

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Tourists come from far and wide to visit this amazing cave temple. Out of the numerous Buddhist Caves at Ellora, cave number 10, cave number 11 and cave number 12 are considered to be the most significant ones. Cave number 10 is a splendid example of Chaitya architecture in India. It is named after Vishwakarma, the presiding deity of all architects. Cave number 11 is known as Do Tal. It is a three-story structure dating back to the 8th century AD. Cave number 12, known by the name of Teen Tal, is also a wonderful three-story cave.

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