Today, there are many things present in India as historical heritage. People come to our country from all over the country and abroad to see them. Ellora Caves is also one such heritage of ancient times. Ellora caves, which are called or known by the local people as Verul Leni, are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ellora Caves have been dug out from the Charanandari hills. There are more than 100 caves at this place which have been dug out from inside the basalt rocks . Out of all these caves, only 34 caves have been opened for the general public.
Ellora caves
Ellora Caves is a historical site located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. These caves are carved out of basaltic volcanic rocks.
Ellora can be seen as a multi- religious building . Because here one can see the sculptures and artifacts related to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Out of the 34 caves in Ellora caves, 17 caves (Cave 13 to 29) are associated with Hinduism, 12 caves (Cave 1 to 12) are associated with Buddhism and 5 caves (Cave 30 to 34) are associated with Jainism.
Due to the unique and wonderful architecture and structure of Ellora, it was also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage in the year 1983.
The most impressive structure in Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple which was built in the 8th century BC. Its height is 32 meters and it was carved and cut out of a single huge rock.
Reason for the fame of Ellora Caves
Although Ellora Caves have many specialties, the reason for its fame is cave number 16. This entire place in Ellora has been built by digging out a single huge stone.
This place is known as Kailash Temple because it is dedicated to Lord Kailashpati Shiva and his huge statue is also present here.
The amazing architecture of this place and the fact that it is made from a single monolithic rock has made it world famous. It is believed that to build the temple, the artists and artisans would have had to remove stones weighing about 2 lakh tonnes. It was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna-1 to celebrate his victory over the Pallavas.
Ellora caves history
According to archaeological surveys and expeditions, these caves are believed to have been built during the Hindu period (550 to 600 BC), Buddhist period (600 to 730 BC) and finally Hindu period (730 to 950 BC). The carvings on the walls of Ellora Caves date back to the 6th century.
Ellora caves built by whom?
According to Gerry Hockfield Malendra and other scholars, Ellora Caves were constructed in three phases, first the Hindu period, then the Buddhist period and then the Hindu and Jain period.
It is believed that the early caves such as Cave No. 29 were built by the Kalachuri dynasty who believed in or worshipped Lord Shiva. However, the caves associated with Buddhism were built by the Chalukya dynasty.
The caves built in the third phase, which includes the later caves related to Hinduism and the early caves related to Jainism, may have been built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
While the last caves related to Jainism were built by the Yadav dynasty . However, the exact order of construction of all these caves cannot be stated with certainty.
Conclusion
In the caves of Ellora, many statues, monasteries, temples and amazing carvings have been made, influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Apart from Lord Shiva, statues of other gods and goddesses have also been made in these caves.
From this we come to know that initially the caves were dedicated to Lord Shiva and later to other gods and goddesses. However, from the idols of other gods and goddesses made in Ellora caves, we can guess that the artists and craftsmen of that time must have given equal respect to everyone.
Of these caves, built between the 5th century and the 11th century AD, Cave No. 29 (also known as Dhumar Lena) is one of the oldest and largest excavations.
Cave number 16 in the Ellora caves is of great attraction to people. Because there is a temple of Lord Shiva built here. The people there used to call (that temple) Verul since ancient times.
Apart from this, one of the oldest caves is Cave No. 21, which is called Hindu Rameshwar, it was built in the 6th century BC.
The best time to visit Ellora Caves is during monsoons as the rainwater makes everything green and the empty spaces get filled with rainwater.
What are the Ellora caves timings?
The Ellora Caves are open from sunrise to sunset every day, except Tuesdays.
What is the entry fee for Ellora Caves (Ellora caves tickets & Ellora caves entry fees)?
For citizens of India, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, the entry fee is Rs 40 in cash and Rs 35 by other means (Online, Credit or Debit Card etc.) per person. For citizens of other countries except these countries, the entry fee is Rs 600 in cash and Rs 550 by other means per person. Apart from this, there is no entry fee for children up to 15 years of age.
Which is the nearest bus stand to Ellora Caves?
The nearest bus stand to Ellora Caves is the ‘Central Bus Stand’ in Aurangabad, around 27 kilometres from Ellora Caves.
Which is the nearest railway station to Ellora Caves?
The nearest railway station to Ellora Caves is Aurangabad Railway Station which is approximately 28 Km away from Ellora Caves.