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Kailash Temple, also Kailasa Temple is one

of the 34 monasteries and temples,


extending over more than 2 km, that were
dug side by side in the wall of a high
basalt cliff in the complex located at
Ellora, Maharashtra, India. Of these 34
monasteries and temples, the Kailasa
(cave 16) is a remarkable example of
Indian rock-cut architecture on account of
its striking proportion; elaborate
workmanship architectural content and
sculptural ornamentation..[1] It is
designed to recall Mount Kailash, the
abode of Lord Shiva[2]. While it exhibits
typical Dravidian features, it was carved
out of one single rock. It was built in the
8th century by the Rashtrakuta king
Krishna I.

The Kailash Temple is notable for its


vertical excavationcarvers started at the
top of the original rock, and excavated
downward, exhuming the temple out of
the existing rock. The traditional methods
were rigidly followed by the master
architect which could not have been
achieved by excavating from the front.[3]
The architects found to design this temple
were from the southern Pallava kingdom.
[4]

It is estimated that about 400,000 tons of


rocks was scooped out over hundreds of
years to construct this monolithic
structure.[4] From the chisel marks on
walls of this temple, archeologists could
conclude that three types of chisels were
used to carve this temple.[5]

All the carvings are done in more than one


level. A two-storeyed gateway opens to
reveal a U-shaped courtyard. The
courtyard is edged by a columned arcade
three stories high. The arcades are
punctuated by huge sculpted panels, and
alcoves containing enormous sculptures of
a variety of deities. Originally flying
bridges of stone connected these galleries
to central temple structures, but these
have fallen.

Within the courtyard are two structures. As


is traditional in Shiva temples, an image of
the sacred bull Nandi fronts the central
temple housing the lingam. In Cave 16,
the Nandi Mandap and main Shiva temple
are each about 7 meters high, and built on
two stories. The lower stories of the Nandi
Mandap are both solid structures,
decorated with elaborate illustrative
carvings. The base of the temple has been
carved to suggest that elephants are
holding the structure aloft.

A living rock bridge connects the Nandi


Mandap to the porch of the temple. The
temple itself is tall pyramidic structure
reminiscent of a South Indian temple. The
shrine complete with pillars, windows,
inner and outer rooms, gathering halls,
and an enormous lingam at its heart
carved from stone, is carved with niches,
plasters, windows as well as images of
deities, mithunas (erotic male and female
figures) and other figures. Most of the
deities at the left of the entrance are
Shaivaite (followers of Lord Shiva) while on
the right hand side the deities are
Vaishnavaites (followers of Lord Vishnu).

There are two Dhvajastambhas (pillars


with the flagstaff) in the courtyard. The
grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to
lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva,
with his full might is a landmark in Indian
art.

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